YOUR TONGUE SHOWS YOU UP! By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." (Proverbs 18:21 NKJV)
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Introduction
The tongue, though small, holds tremendous power over our lives and the lives of others. As believers, how we use our words reveals the condition of our hearts and the depth of our faith in God. This lesson examines the importance of controlling our tongues, the dangers of yielding to fleshly speech, and the call to live as lights in a dark and perverse generation.
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Subtitles and Key Insights
1. The Power of the Tongue
"Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so." (James 3:10 NKJV)
The tongue has the power to bless or curse. As believers, our speech should align with God’s will and bring glory to Him. Criticism, gossip, and backbiting have no place in the lives of those called to holiness.
2. Guarding Against Hypocrisy
"Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but do not consider the plank in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:3 NKJV)
Many claim the name of Christ but fail to demonstrate integrity in their speech. Hypocrisy grieves the heart of God and undermines the mission of the Church to be a light to the world.
3. The State of the Church Today
"You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.’" (Matthew 15:7-8 NKJV)
In today’s church, many prioritize worldly pleasures over God’s Word. The result is a generation of believers who have lost their power to stand against evil.
4. Being Light in Darkness
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:14 NKJV)
Despite the pervasive darkness, God calls His people to live as lights, offering hope to those bound in sin. This requires obedience, integrity, and a commitment to God’s standards.
5. The Call to Personal Responsibility
"Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." (Colossians 4:6 NKJV)
Believers must take personal responsibility for their words. Our tongues should be instruments of praise, thanksgiving, and encouragement rather than tools for destruction.
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Summary
The tongue reveals the heart. When used carelessly, it can sow division, perpetuate sin, and hinder the work of God’s Kingdom. However, when surrendered to God, it becomes a powerful tool for praise, edification, and the advancement of His purposes.
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Conclusion
God calls His people to reflect His character in every aspect of life, including their speech. By yielding our tongues to the Holy Spirit, we demonstrate our commitment to Christ and fulfill our calling as His representatives in a fallen world.
Let us choose to use our words for life, love, and the glory of God, knowing that we are accountable for every word spoken. As Jesus said:
"For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:37 NKJV)
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May we walk daily in obedience, glorifying God with our tongues and our lives.
