For out of the fullness - the overflow, the superabundance - of the heart the mouth speaks.
The good man from his inner good treasure flings forth good things,
and the evil man out of his inner evil storehouse flings forth evil things.
But I (Jesus) tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle
word they speak.
For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be
condemned and sentenced.
Matthew 12:34-37
It is always disconcerting, at work, to be invited to a call listening session. A small conference room is set up for five customer service representatives, also allowing room for five team leaders and the group leader. Filing in, a seat is taken, the conference call is prepared to include those in leadership positions from Pittsburgh, Ohio and Michigan. A call is chosen from a recent phone interaction with a customer. Everyone is prepared to listen, with pens in hand.
If the call chosen is yours, you hold your breath as all ears intently listen to every word - the tone, the pace, the pitch, the content…every detail is listened to and analyzed. One hopes that a GOOD call is chosen, a strong call. As the tape rolls, you wonder WHAT you said? How would it measure up to the requirements placed upon us?
This entire evaluation and coaching situation reminds me of how God is recording our every word. He hears the actual words we use, the tone, and the motive and intent behind the words. How careful we need to be with every word we say.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
Proverbs 18:21
God is listening….
Heavenly Father, please set a guard at the door of my lips so that the words I utter may bring honor to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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