Your Mouth Is a Power Tool. Use It Carefully

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CURRENT TEACHING SERIES Essentials For Living

Your Mouth Is a Power Tool. Use It Carefully By Rick Warren — Aug 16, 2015 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV) God wants us to use our words to build others up. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (NIV). Sometimes our words are like a sledgehammer. We swing away without thinking, and all of a sudden we look around, and all we’ve got is a pile of relational rubble. When you thoughtlessly sling your words around and tear people down, your relationships are going to suffer. One of the reasons we’re not constructive with our words is we don’t realize how powerful this tool is—our mouth and the words that God has given to us. We say things without thinking. And people remember them. Certain things people said to you in a careless way—even as far back as grade school or college or when you first started working—you still remember today. That’s how powerful words are. So when it comes to your mouth, you’ve got to think of it as a power tool and be very careful with it. One time I went into my garage and grabbed a manual for a power saw. As I was reading through the directions, I was struck by how it related to the use of another power tool that God has given us: our mouths. The directions said: Know your power tool. Keep guards in place. Be careful around children. Store idle tools when not in use. Don’t over reach. Never use in an explosive atmosphere. How can you use your mouth more carefully so you are using it to build relationships and not to tear people down? Stop excusing. Stop saying, “I didn’t really mean to say that” or “It’s just that blood sugar dip before lunch.” Realize that what you say impacts everybody around you. Talk less. We often get in trouble because we just don’t know when to shut up. If it’s a power tool, you shouldn’t have to use it as much, right? Listen more. If you listen more, you can better understand people’s needs. Start building. Let your first thoughts be, “What does that person need? How can I use a word of encouragement to build him up? What can I say to make a difference in his life?” Talk It Over Why do we need to be especially careful with our words in an “explosive atmosphere”? What is something you can practice doing in your relationships that will help you talk less and listen more? What Scripture verses can you memorize that will help you speak truth and encouragement in others’ lives?   All the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. --Nehemiah 8:1     Revival among God’s people is a matter of internal renewal, not just external repairs. So after Nehemiah and his people had finished repairing and rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, they gathered together for a time of spiritual renewal. One of the wonderful things about revival is that when we are renewed in our relationship with God and His joy begins to flood our hearts, the overflow spills onto other people! That’s why it’s so important that we come together as the people of God to celebrate His goodness and seek Him for refreshment and revival! The people of Jerusalem gathered “as one man.” That is, they came with the same purpose to praise God, to hear His Word, and to observe the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths as God had commanded. And sure enough, great rejoicing and revival broke out! There’s something miraculous that happens when God’s people come together. That’s why it’s so important that believers make corporate worship a consistent part of their lives. Are you a part of a church where Christ is honored and the full counsel of His Word is believed and taught? If so, are you regularly taking part in corporate worship? The Bible tells us not to forsake assembling ourselves as the body of Christ (Hebrews 10:25). It’s my prayer that you will renew your commitment to Christ and His Church today. Something miraculous happens when God’s people join together. PS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxTwyqIIthk