Read: Matthew 15:11
“It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.”
Understand:
- How often have you defiled someone by the words that proceed from your mouth?
Listen: I just spent two weeks with my family in Indiana. It was a great time because I haven’t spent time with them like that in over two years. I have two older sisters and my eldest sister told me today, as I was getting ready to leave to go home, that she was going to try to start thinking positively like I do because she thinks this will help her be a happier person and see things from a new perspective. Please understand, I have cloudy days too, just like the next person, but I really do try to not only turn my thoughts toward positivity but also to speak positivity. Scripture tells us that what comes out of our mouths can “defile” us. It also tells us in Matthew 15:18 that what flows out of our mouths comes from our heart. That can be scary to think about.
I love the quote from our picture today. It is taken from “Pirates of the Caribbean” when Jack Sparrow says “The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem.” We are all going to have certain issues in our lives that are not ideal but it’s how we look at them that matters. If we can change our perspectives, we can guard our hearts which, in turn, will help us guard what comes out of our mouths.
My sister said something to me that I thought was so precious and so right. She said, I feel like when I’m happy and being positive that people that are around me are that way too. Isn’t this the truth? When you spew poison from your mouth, do you really expect people to like it? But, when you allow positivity and happiness to pour from you, people will be more receptive and, perhaps, be kinder too. It’s a win-win!
I just want to encourage you. Ephesians 4:29 tells us that nothing should come out of our mouths that corrupts but, instead, things that build others up. Take that to heart. Instead of allowing your perception of a problem to drive you to negativity, try looking at it differently and allow positivity and happiness to be a regular part of your life. You will see such a change in, not only yourself, but the world around you.
Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, help us to become more aware of how we interpret things around us. Help us to look upon problems with a more positive attitude and allow this positivity to cushion our hearts and soften our words. Help us to stop and think before we speak and use our words to lift others up. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
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