Read: John 7:14-24; James 3
Midway through
the festival, Jesus made His presence known. Again the crowds were amazed by
His teaching but had difficulty reconciling their amazement with what they knew
of Jesus' background and lack of formal education. They heard the truth; it had
resonated in their hearts but was ultimately rejected it because of their lack
of faith in the Messenger.
The cacophony
of voices claiming to speak truth makes it difficult for truth seekers to know
what and whom to believe. Jesus offers valuable advice for deciding who to
trust, "Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he
who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing
false about him" (John 7:18).
If we take what
Jesus said literally, a person should only speak if they are speaking on behalf
of God. Now there's a good excuse to take a vow of silence! In a separate
teaching, Jesus explained that it is not what goes into a person's mouth, but
what comes out that defiles them. James calls the tongue a fire and warns that
it has the power to corrupt the entire body. This explains why James
discourages people from becoming teachers, warning that they will be held to a
higher standard. (James 3:1) It also underscores why he encourages Christians
to be "slow to speak and quick to listen." (James 1:19)
It has never
been easier to express opinions and ideas on the global stage. Within minutes
of an event, you can read the thoughts of anyone with access to the internet.
We no longer lack for information but have never been in greater need of the
truth. R.C. Sproul has famously said, "All truth is God's truth."
Jesus claims to speak only what He received from the Father, and therefore,
what He says must be true. Anyone who seeks to speak only the truth in love is
one who seeks the glory of the Author of all truth. Isn't that a standard to
which we should all strive?
How aware are
you of the words you say? Do you find it necessary to "spin" words
and phrases to make yourself look good? Do you withhold truth that may make you
look bad or result in negative consequences for yourself? Are your words used
to encourage and build-up or to injure and destroy? Do lies come quickly and
steadily from your mouth? By Jesus standard in John 7:18, you are either a
person seeking personal glory or a person of truth who brings glory to God.
Today is a good day to take inventory of your words. Ask the Holy Spirit to
make you aware of every word you say. Give Him permission to convict you of any
vanity. Confess your sins and invite Jesus to be Lord of your tongue. Become
like Jesus by speaking only that which the Father has given you to say.
Truth of God,
I confess that much of what
I say is in pursuit of my glory. I repent of the sins of my mouth knowing they
are the overflow of the contents of my heart. I invite You to search my heart
and know me. Like Isaiah, I declare that I am a person of unclean lips.
Take Your burning fire and
cleanse my mouth so that, like Jesus, I speak only
what brings glory to You.
Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment