Whisperer
Something was going down. She could tell by the mood in the office. The hushed whispers, the huddled groups suddenly breaking apart when someone walked by. She was dying to know. She tipped her head over her cubicle to her co-worker and friend Elizabeth to see if she knew anything. The seat was empty. She grabbed her coffee mug and headed to the break room.
A couple of other people from her department were standing by the counter, deep in conversation. She walked over to the coffee pot, filled her mug, then stepped over to the counter with the cream and sugar. She took her time doctoring her coffee. She could just make out what they were discussing so fervently.
Apparently, someone was getting fired. And it sounded like it was a very important someone. From what she could tell, the circumstances surrounding their dismissal ranged from improper to downright scandalous! She wondered if it was true. She couldn’t wait to tell Elizabeth! As she hurried from the break room and made her way back to her desk, something slowed her steps. A heaviness started to form in the pit of her stomach. And it wasn’t from the coffee.
“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Matthew 12:36-37
“Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”
Proverbs 13:3
Words have incredible power. What we say can either lift others up, or tear them down.
Gossip is tempting. Gossip is fun. Gossip is empowering.
But it is deadly. And rest assured that those who spread it about others will not hesitate to spread it about you.
What do you do with your words? Do you use them to build others up? Do you use them to tear others down? Do you not use them at all?
Jesus said just a couple of verses earlier, “…out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” In other words, what you say and how you say it reveals the condition of your heart. Your external words and actions reveal your true inner nature.
I read a commentary that said, “The truth is, the heart is like a well of values, priorities, thoughts, and attitudes deep within us. The tongue is like the bucket that draws from that well. Until others actually drink from that invisible well, they won’t know whether the water is good or bad, life-giving or toxic.” (Chuck Swindoll)
It is all revealed by our words, friends! And it doesn’t matter if it’s whispered or not. Told in secret or not. Or said under our breath or not.
So…how’s your heart?
What was that you said?
Dear Father. Oh Lord please check my speech! It starts in my heart, Lord. Search me and know me! See if there is any offensive way in me! Cleanse me so that I am whiter than snow. Clean my heart Lord so that my words may edify others and glorify You! Amen.
