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Point me to the Father
Ken SilvaMatthew 12: 36But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Jesus is reminding all of us of the importance of every word that comes from our mouths. He hears everything that we say, not just the words we say at Church on Sunday. Our words are an indication of our character and a reflection of what resides in our heart. Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, convicting them of their hypocrisy in speech and behavior. They may say things that sound good to the Jewish people but their hearts were far from the Lord. Beyond their words, their actions were often in direct contrast to the flowery words they spoke in the temple.
It is true that our words have the power of life and death. It has the power to lift someone from the depths of despair or cast them into the pit of hoplelessness. I came to Christ later in life. I didn't grow up in a Christian household or a Christian environment. When the storms of life hit me to a degree I never experienced in the past I was completely lost. Thank God I had a loving Christian couple that lived a few house from me that really cared about me. They spoke words of encouragement and support. They lived a life and engaged with friends and family in a way that was warm and genuine. Most importantly they spoke the words that pointed my heart to Jesus. They didn't have to change me or convince me. They just pointed my heart and my life to the Father, he did the rest.
Thank you Lord for those you place in our paths. Your timing is always perfect as long as our hearts are pliable. Please help me to be an encouragement to others and live a life pleasing to you. Amen.
