02-08-24-ENG.

Peter said to Him, “Explain the parable to us.” Jesus said, “Are you still lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man.”

Matthew 15:15–20
There are many ways to gauge your own personal kingdom virtue, but the primary one is in what you say. Your mouth reveals your heart. When you go to the doctor, they will often ask you to stick out your tongue. They do this because they are looking for things on your tongue that could indicate something wrong deeper inside you. The Bible declares that a person’s speech also reveals whether or not there is something wrong deeper inside him or her. What you say, and how you say it, reflects your heart within. James 1:26 puts it like this: “If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.”

Basically, if you can’t control your tongue, your “religion is worthless.” Now, I understand that occasionally you and I will make mistakes. But what Paul is referring to is the ongoing process and revelation of spiritual maturity. If your normal mode of operation is to belittle, judge, gossip, scorn, mock, lie, or use any other verbal vice known to mankind, then you may want to reconsider where your relationship sits with Jesus Christ. The things that are spoken by you, or by anyone for that matter, come from the heart. What you say, and how you say it, reveals the real you. The kingdom of God ought to reflect God’s kingdom virtues. But instead it seems a shift has occurred. We are being inundated with information and communication modeled after Facebook posts, Instagram feeds, Twitter rants, chats, messaging, memes, and more.

We’ve got unhealthy communication going every which way. Not only is it often full of lies, but it is also just as frequently full of angst and evil ways of communicating with or about others. As kingdom followers, we are to be speaking the truth in love. We are to speak according to the absolute standard by which reality is measured. Or, to put it another way, we are to speak that which reflects God’s view on any subject. It doesn’t matter how many people agree with you. It doesn’t matter how many people like what you have to say. It doesn’t even matter how you might feel about it. Once God says something is true, it is to dominate the environment and atmosphere of His people because we are seeking to function according to His kingdom worldview. You may want to examine where you are today as opposed to where you were several months or a year ago.

Has your mouth (what you say, how you say it, and why you choose to say it) fallen more in line with going between the two goalposts of truth and love, or are you still speaking from the flesh? This is how you can know if you are growing in godly character and kingdom virtues. 

Reaction:
Do you want to “have the last word,” or are you willing to let things slide for the sake of love and kindness? Do you speak as if what you say is the end-all-be-all on every topic, or do you leave room open to someone possibly knowing more than you do? Do your words reflect a heart of fear or faith, calm or chaos, peace or pride? 

Prayer:
Jesus, help me glorify You with what I say. I want my words to reflect a heart of faith, calm, and peace, so please begin by working in my heart to cultivate these kingdom virtues. I know that what I say reveals my heart, so purify my heart with Your love and kindness. I love You, Jesus, and want my mouth to mature to a level that pleases You. In Your name I ask this, amen.