“No one should make the mistake of thinking that Christians suddenly have it all together in the words arena.”

A thought by Nelson Searcy from his book, Tongue Pierced: How the Words You Speak Transform the Life You Live (p. 39). David C. Cook. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

We even as Christians need to grow in this area, don’t we?

Nelson says, “If you are a Christian or if you know any Christians, you can attest to this fact. Golden apples don’t start falling from your mouth simply because you choose to follow Jesus. Yes, once you become a Christian, you are a new creation in Christ (see 2 Cor. 5:17), but on this side of heaven, there is and always will be an ongoing, daily struggle with the flesh. As the apostle Paul wrote in his letter to believers in the Galatian church, ‘The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other.’ (Gal. 5:17)”

He goes on, “Even as a follower of Jesus, part of you will still want to control the driver’s seat in your heart. Sometimes you may find yourself just trying to perch on the edge of the seat. Other times, convinced you know what’s best, you may start trying to nudge God over so you can get your hands on the wheel. If you take control back completely, you’ll probably end up facing some form of destruction and pain—which will just make you want to turn things back over to him, that is, until you feel the need to perch on the edge of the seat again. As long as you and I are alive, we will be engaged in an ongoing battle with our human nature.

“Think of your words as a gauge that lets you know where you are in the ongoing battle. When you hear your words becoming harsh, coarse, and negative, you are edging God out of the driver’s seat, focusing on yourself and your needs. But when your words are full of love, encouragement, and praise, it’s a good sign that God is in his rightful position, steering you toward his purposes.”

Later Nelson says, “The battle over your words—and your life—rages on every day. Every time you speak, you choose a side. Judging by the kind of words you’ve used in the last few days, which side are you allowing to win?

As we live in a close relationship with Christ through His Spirit, we have the desire to chose His side but the Tempter is still there who pushes us to choose the other side.  I’m sure you find it a daily battle.  I know I do.  Let’s strive today to choose our words that come from God in His rightful position in our lives.  Would you do that?

Yes, yes!