Chorus: Oh you better mind, you better mind
You got to give an account in the judgment, you better mind -
You better mind how you talk, you better mind what you're talking about, you got to give an account in the judgment, you better mind
You better mind how you walk, you better mind where you're walking to, for you got to give an account in the judgment, you better mind
My original thought for today had to do with the journey, the steps we take toward sisterhood, brotherhood - steps we take to draw closer to Christ. And I went to the Word in search of texts that speak to just how we're to behave toward one another.
As one who writes - I know that words are powerful. I also teach/facilitate in my profession. So I am ever aware of how important it is for me to not only articulate the materials I'm imparting clearly to those listening - but to also be mindful of HOW I say what I say; my voice inflections, my body language - all of that. I am responsible for providing an atmosphere free of tension, contention, drama, etc. It's serious. I respect my role, and the people I stand before and interact with daily. I watch what I say, and make sure to avoid idle gossip. However, there are days when I miss the mark and make a snide or negative comment. But - I always remember what the Word says...and God reins in my tongue. It's getting to the point where an ugly thought that becomes verbal, stays "under my breath" - and I've learned to repent of the thought and the words immediately. Dr. Charles Stanley teaches on that - when the sinner rebukes the sin and repents of it right then and there - the Holy Spirit is working, and empowers the individual to gain the victory over that sin. I've tried it - every time - and it's true. Once upon a time, I was a huge gossiper - my mouth, a part of many hurtful situations in the past. Today, there's not a tale I will hear nor carry to besmirch the name of another person. The Lord has even worked things out where I've been able to ask forgiveness of the persons I've hurt due to my tongue and deeds. My life's work has become about conciliation, reconciliation and restoration, where possible.
Some context from Matthew 12:33-37, Jesus said:
"33 A tree is identified by its fruit. A tree from a select variety produces good fruit; poor varieties don’t. 34 You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For a man’s heart determines his speech. 35 A good man’s speech reveals the rich treasures within him. An evil-hearted man is filled with venom, and his speech reveals it. 36 And I tell you this, that you must give account on Judgment Day for every idle word you speak. 37 Your words now reflect your fate then: either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned.”
This journey is full of lessons, pitfalls, mountain peak experiences, pain - and as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ - all for the blessing of our own souls and the souls of others we touch along our path. I am careful to represent the One who has set me free. Free from doing things unbecoming a soldier in God's army - free from the desire to partake in ungodly activities. He's lifted me, literally, out of the muck and mire of my former self - and He's still molding me.
Beloved, let's mind what we say and do.
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