When You Speak

“Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11 (ESV)

Words have the power to build up or tear down. Words can inspire or discourage creativity. As a follower of Jesus Christ, your calling is to continue the ministry of Jesus on this earth. You are an ambassador for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). Your conduct and your communication will indicate the health of your love relationship with Christ.

When you speak, you have the opportunity to be an irresistible influence for Christ. Your speech has the potential to impart life to a person who has been searching for meaning and purpose in life. The way you interact with others can bring them into a living connection with Jesus.

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Peter exhorts us to remember that when we speak, we are speaking the very words of God. Consider the weight of your words. The manner in which you converse with others is of vital importance. Your speech gives clear evidence of that which is in your heart (Luke 6:45). If your speech becomes toxic and demeaning, then your heart has become hard and indifferent. If your speech is gentle, considerate, and life giving, then your heart is tender and teachable.

Does your daily conversation bring praise to God? As God listens to the words that come from your lips, does He smile? Let’s be conscientious about the words we speak. Our words have immense power. Maybe that’s why James says we ought to be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19).

When we do speak, let’s be cognizant of the privilege of speaking the very words of God. Being God’s voice in a noisy world is an awesome responsibility to behold.

Following Jesus Every Day,

Stephen Trammell