Pastors Pen: Speaking life

Today in the message (Eph 2:1-5) we are looking at the stark contrast between death and life and the contrast that can be seen between the unregenerate soul who is “dead in their trespasses and sins” (v1) and the soul that has been “made alive with Christ” (v5). That huge change that takes place in the life of a person when they put their trust in Jesus Christ affects all aspects of life.

While we have the life of God in us there are still choices we need to make in life. Every day we choose in many different ways whether we will choose to act out of our new identity in Christ or slide back into the old way of thinking, acting or talking. The words we use give a significant insight into what is happening on the inside of us, even whether we are alive, or whether we remain dead.

Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death…” Eugene Peterson in The Message paraphrases this verse in its context of v20b-21 writing, “good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest. Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.” This verse alongside the truth of knowing I’ve been “made alive with Christ” shows that we have a huge responsibility to be bringing forth fruit that gives life to those who are listening to us.

Sadly we are often deaf to the poison our speech can sometimes contain, so maybe quoting Deuteronomy 30:19 will give us a prompt, “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” Perhaps we could find practical help by allowing ourselves to question whether the words I am speaking are blessings or curses; whether I am lifting someone up or tearing them down; whether I am speaking life or death. This can apply to how I speak to others; speak about others; or even how I speak about myself.

So what path is my speech going to take this week?  Will it be the path of life or the path of death? There is only one way that offers blessing to you and to those around you. Choose Life!!!