One of the ways we can pass along God’s goodness to others is through our words.

Recently, our house was full of people. Usually I enjoy having people around. But I was tired, and sometimes when I’m tired out, I need to be alone and recharge, so having a houseful was wonderful, but challenging. One morning, I got into it with one of our adult kids. I got out of hand and my words became hurtful to the point that another of our adult children said, “Dad!” Gotta hate being called down by your own kids, especially when they are right!

James, an early church leader, made this sobering statement:

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless (James 1:26).

These are strong words regarding our spiritual life. Clearly, our words and the activity of our tongue is an accurate thermometer of where we are with God.

Jesus declared that our inner life erupts through our mouths:

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks (Luke 6:45).

For further insights from James regarding the tongue, see chapter 3 of his letter.

What do the words of your mouth tell you and others about your inner life? If family members or close friends measured your spirituality based on the impact of your words on their lives, how would you measure up?