An Indictment of the Tongue

I confess that I am addicted to blogging. I know some would see it as anti-social, others see it as a fad, but I hope it is hear to stay. I enjoy blogs just like this one which help me broaden my horizons and get in touch with people who I might not otherwise get to know.

I have been spending a great deal of time on blogs of people who are confessing Christians. The subjects are varied, the topics are interesting, and the ensuing conversations are great. But I have seen a recent rise in the usage of language that is less than glorifying to God. It was subtle at first, then a little more, and a little more. All of a sudden it is all over the place.

As Christians we are called to a higher standard. We must answer the calling of our faith. In the book of Philippians the Apostle Paul states “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Php 3:14 av) Part of answering the higher calling of our faith is not living conformed to the standards of this world. We must conform to the standard of God. Again we are implored by the Apostle Paul “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Ro 12:2 av)

I fight daily against my flesh and against the proclivity to say things that are unbecoming of a Christian. A verse that I recently came across with new perspective is “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.” (Jas 1:26 av) I write today not to provide an indictment, but rather to share a few ideas and suggestions for keeping our conduct, both on line and off, according to the cause of Christ. It may seem elementary at times, but it is sometimes the smallest lessons that I have to learn again and again. What follows is a few suggestions on keeping our conduct according to the cause of Christ.

1. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1Co 10:31 av) I must ask myself again and again if what I am doing glorifies God. Many times the answer is a profound “no” and I have to take a moment and repent of my thoughts, my actions and decisions and get my boat going in the right direction again. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Php 4:8 av) If we are going to win the battle for the hearts and minds of our peers, we first must win the battle for our own minds.

2. “Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” (Eph 6:18 av). I have to remember to constantly be in prayer, not only for myself, but for others. It is one of the great privileges of our faith as Christians to be able to pray often and know that our petition is heard by our God. When we pray to God it keeps us remembering in humility that we are God’s creation and we are not in control of our circumstances.

Recently I spent two wonderful weeks in India sharing the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I quickly found that one of the most effective ways to witness to a person who is of the Hindu faith is to tell them that our God answers prayer. So many Hindu believers are jaded because they go to the temple devotedly and pray to the Gods of that temple and nothing happens. We have a God who answers our prayers and it is a very effective tool that God has given us.

Finally, I surround myself with friends who are believers. I do this not to be cliquish or to appear as a “Jesus Freak”. I do this so that I have someone to hold me accountable for my actions and my speech. Forming Christian friendships is one of the joys of the Christian faith. We have fellow believers who are walking through the thick of things just like us. When your hand is tired and it can not wield the machete that cuts through the thickness of life anymore, they are there to pick up the machete and carry on. Being able to bear one another’s burdens and empathize with one another is an invaluable gift from God.

This is most definitely not an exhaustive list. I just want to practically exhort you, my brothers and sisters, to conduct your life in a way that is pleasing to God. Our lives are the greatest witness many people will ever have of the transformational power of Jesus Christ.

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