In pursuit of godlinessIn Holland we have a saying that goes somewhat like this: “what you say is what you are”. The words that come out of your mouth are a reflection of what is in your heart. Since I am a person that finds talking much easier than listening I have a lot to learn, so I am forever studying everything the Bible has to say on the subject. I have posted several times about the power of words on this blog and my first book Sacred Sabbath for example starts of with some thoughts on the power of God’s word. In 2 Timothy 2:16 I found yet another interesting scripture about this, it says,
Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
Godless = without God. Godless chatter is simply any talk that is not God related, which is basically anything without a bigger purpose, without a Kingdom principle as foundation, anything that does not point to Jesus. The scripture warns us that if we indulge in ungodly talk we will become ungodly. That brings me back to the Dutch saying I opened this post with. I like to change it as follows: we become what we speak about. We not only have to choose our words carefully, but also the people we enjoy conversing with.
If it is possible to become ungodly because of ungodly talk, I feel free to say that it is also possible to become more godly if we would talk more about God and God related subjects. In his first letter to Timothy the apostle Paul urges him to pursue godliness, among other virtues (1 Timothy 6:11). Regardless of the fact that we live 2000 years later, we should all be in pursuit of godliness whether that is cultural and popular accepted or not! It does not come automatically because we are believers. So, how then do we start?
By changing the things we talk about and by befriending people who have a similar desire! Changing the world starts within our own heart.
As Bill Johnson always says: don’t wait for the perfect wave to ride, start your own!
Now you have me thinking about how much of my talk is "chatter". I do like to talk. How much might be considered Godless or at least without a higher purpose? That takes some pondering. Pam
ReplyDeleteYes Pam, that were my thougths too when I read that scripture!
ReplyDeleteThere was a saying in the world war, 'Careless talk costs lives'.It might be changed to 'Careless talk costs souls'.
ReplyDeleteI'm a chatterbox and I often feel the Holy Spirit tap me on the shoulder. I'm so glad he keeps an eye on my mouth if you know what I mean.
Since I was small, my mother has taught us to be careful of our words. If I said 'good grief!', the response was... "there's nothing good about grief". We were not to say 'I'm sorry'. We could say "I apologize"... that was different. On it goes and goes. I really believe what you are saying. I need to practice it better. It begins with the meditations of my heart :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post Marja!!
Thanks girls for the feedback, this is something we all deal with everyday. Lorrie, your mom is precious!!
ReplyDeleteOut of the Overflow of the heart, the MOUTH SPEAKS.....Luke 6:45b
ReplyDeleteAs I think in my heart, so I am. Proverbs 23:7
tammy
Yes Tammy!!! Thanks for the scriptures!!!
ReplyDeleteWe were just studying “Godless chatter” and Wyns comments make much sense-thank you
ReplyDelete