Many times, I have had to ask others for clarification of the words I heard. Sometimes clarification is needed for our words, but most of the time what we say gives a good picture of who we are and what drives us. No one understood the effects of our words better than Paul. He had been on both sides of Christianity. In Acts 9:1-2, Paul is “breathing out threatenings” against Christians. His words conveyed that he was against Christ and His followers. There was no doubt about his intentions. Christians understood exactly what Paul was saying.
Act 9:1 “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.”
Words are powerful because they reveal our heart and our mind. They reveal what we believe. Before his encounter with Christ, Paul was a devout Jew. He hated Christians because it imposed a threat on his Jewish beliefs. However, after His salvation experience, there was no doubt about His allegiance. His words were powerful evidence of the Holy Spirit that dwelled within Him. In Romans 1:16, Paul declares He is not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, and in II Timothy 1:12 he speaks of his belief. Paul’s words were followed by his actions as he spent the rest of his life after conversion, spreading the gospel of Christ.
II Timothy 1:12 “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless, I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”
In Philippians 2:14, Paul addresses how we speak and what we say. We are not to murmur! Murmuring is speaking in a grumbling tone. It is a constant sound of complaining. I’m sure we have all done our share of complaining. We like to vent, sometimes we feel better after venting, but it is a terrible testimony about the goodness of our God. Much of the time the things we complain about are situations beyond our control. We rant about how things aren’t fair, or why we shouldn’t have to deal with certain circumstances. However, if we believe in a sovereign God who is in control of everything our complaints are ultimately against Him. When we complain we are telling God we don’t like His design for our lives. Complaining reveals unbelief that God is doing what is best for us. Romans 8:28 teaches us that “all things” work together for our good. In verse 29 we see the purpose is to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ. If we believe the Bible, we must embrace all of it.
If we are to be a good testimony of Jesus, we are not to dispute or argue with others. We are to live a peaceable life. A life that is honoring to Christ and an example of who He is, the loving Savior, the all-powerful God.
Philippians 2:14-15 “Do all things without murmurings and disputing’s: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”
So, what characterizes your speech today? Are you complaining about circumstances in your life that are beyond your control? Are you seeking peace with everyone or seeking your own way? Are your conversations kind and forgiving, or are they sarcastic and accusing? What we say and how we say it speaks volumes about who we are. Speaking in the manner that is Christ-honoring is an act of obedience and it is vital to our testimony.
Ephesians 4:32 “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
