Here's a thought to ponder!

Words

Jesus was hungry as he came upon a fig tree. The fig tree had no figs so Jesus said unto it, "No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever." (Mark 11:14) Jesus and His disciples continued on their journey and accomplished the work to be done there. As they returned, Peter beheld the fig tree. He said unto Jesus, "Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away." (Mark 11:21) Jesus explained the happening by instructing His disciples. He said, "Have faith in God, for verily I say unto you, That whosoever whall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith." (Mark 11: 22& 23) It is no wonder so many warnings are found in God's word concerning the tongue and words. When Jesus was reprimanded for eating without washing His hands, He said, "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." (Matthew 15:11)

Many times in my life I have been shocked at my own words. Once I was conversing with a small group concerning the funeral preparations of their father. Politely, they offered to repay me for that which I had spent in behalf of their father. In an attempt to make them comfortable about my expenditures, I said, "God will give me whatever is coming to me." Someone said, "I hope not" as though he were thinking of himself. Later I gave much thought to my statement and his reaction. Fear stabbed at my heart as I recalled his quick reply. Upon examining my heart, I knew my earnings would truly be tiny. How dare I think I could earn God's favor through works, yet how dare I ignore the promise of God that I shall reap as I have sown. The good that I sow is tainted by the sin in my nature. I could never make it purely good, but Jesus can as He adds His blessing upon my labor. We labor as one and shall receive reward as one according to the eternal mercy of the Father.

After great consideration, I found no basis upon which I could retract my statement. I could only admit to my Savior that I am responsible for my own words and actions. Many times I have heard there is no more condemnation because of the sacrifice of Jesus, but I know there are severe restrictions placed upon that statement. It really says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1) Jesus's sacrifice insured the opportunity for His to walk after the Spirit, but each makes his own choice. Jesus did not live and die so that I could live after the flesh yet feast upon the spirit. He lived and died so I might have opportunity to live after the Spirit and reap the rewards of life. He lived and died so I might view in His example the principles of God's law applied to everyday life. HE cursed the fig tree so I might know the responsibility of one who has faith.

God gave Adam dominion over the earth until he became acquainted with sin. God restored dominion to man when Jesus paid the price. But man has often used dominion to seal his own tragedy. With dominion power, man can curse his enemy as Jesus did the fig tree, but in doing so, he insures his own curse for he has sown cursing and will ultimately reap it. What words do I speak about others? Surely I would not speak that which I do not believe to be truth. But even if it is truth, is it profitable to speak about another's bad habits? Surely I do not desire others to speak of my bad habits. I do not want others to speak of my potential for failure. Therefore I must not speak of theirs. I heard one businessman say of another's venture, "I'll give him two years before he's out of business." Life is an opportunity to do good and to profit ourselves and our brethren by our words. Don'w waste the opportunity Jesus painfully provided. Do good to all men and speak evil of none.

Copyrighted to Editor, 1995

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