Myth Buster part 2

While writing my perspective of what it means to portray a meek and quiet spirit I knew there was more to this topic than I could cover in one post. As I said previously, the scripture in 1 Peter is referencing how we are to present ourselves to others. The goal is for people to see our heart. Everything about us, our appearance, demeanor, countenance and every word we say, should be glorifying to Christ. The closer we are to Christ the more we reflect Him to a lost world or even to a struggling Christian.
 
We must not attempt to fabricate a righteous and pious attitude. That is why our heart must be pure; it is to be strong, content, and steadfast. This is accomplished by training our minds with the discipline of a warrior. And the training of the mind is the only way to accomplish the training of the tongue. I have and continue to struggle in this area of my life. I shared in my last post that I am very verbal. My mouth gets away from me sometimes. Words are a wellspring of life as well as a slow consuming pit that devours while they anesthetize our sensitivity to the Spirit. "In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise." Proverbs 10:19. Anything other than Christ that is allowed to have free reign in our lives will bring about sin. We are to be self controlled. Scripture lists self control as one of the fruits of the Spirit we acquire when Christ takes residence in our life.

Words have unequaled ability to bring about death and destruction. They can destroy families and crush the spirit. They can bring about fear and steal joy. "When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid." 1 Samuel 17:11. They can deceive many and be a pitfall. "Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words." Colossians 2:4 And Job even cries out in despair over the words that have crushed him. “How long will you torment my soul, And break me in pieces with words?" Job 19:2.

But just as much as words can destroy, they also have the unfathomable power to give life. "But Simon Peter answered Him [Jesus], “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." John 6:68. The words we speak can bring healing. "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones." Proverbs 16:24. They encourage, and lift up. "How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!" Psalm 119:103. When Eliphaz spoke to Job he reminded him of the wonderful things Job had done to strengthen others with his words. "Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, And you have strengthened the feeble knees;" Job 4:4.  And words also bring salvation, "who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved." Acts 11:14

Taking every thought captive is particularly challenging for me, someone who legitimately struggles with ADD. However, our thoughts, and what springs from those thoughts, our words, are an integral part of drawing closer to Christ. We cannot control our tongue the way Christ wants us to no matter how badly WE want to. There will be more about that in the third part of this message. If we are dwelling on Christ in everyway we will have edifying words that encourage, lift up, and give life. Growing closer to Christ is crucial. We must let go of our own desires and disappear into a picture of Christ. When He is our passion and our greatest joy and adored above everything else and our minds are fixed on Him, the words that come from us will be glorifying to Him. And we will present ourselves to others with a genuine meek and quiet spirit.