Sent: Tuesday, February 05, 2002
Subject: The Secret to Good Health & Right Living
Dear Ethan & Emily:
Everyone is looking for the key to good health today and how to live better and more effectively. It seems every month a new health fad or “how to succeed” idea comes along to grab our attention.
Whether in health or learning how to live our lives in a very practical sense on a day to day basis, you always do well to “Follow God’s example in everything you do…” (Ephesians 5: 1) When we let Christ take the lead and follow Him “in His steps” as we have discussed in earlier devotions, you will find the answers you need for every area of your lives…even your physical well being.
Today, I would like us to consider a very practical and much used part of our bodies that we “engage” daily…that being our mouths and tongues. Actually, the tongue is relatively small but can be one of the most powerful tools or “weapons” available to us as human beings. The writer of Proverbs sets forth the following somewhat startling statement: “…the tongue can kill or nourish life.” (Prov. 18: 21) A pretty powerful thing, wouldn’t you say??
Consider these words: “Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” (Prov. 15: 4) Looking for the “secret” to good health? Look no further than your mouth and tongue for starters!
Beyond “gentleness,” God’s Word is also very clear about the type of language and words that should characterize His followers:
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Eph. 4: 29)
“Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone.” (Col. 4: 6)
“Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes…these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.” (Eph. 5: 4)
That the mouth and tongue are key indicators of our state of being as a Christian is well defined by James: “We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way.” (James 3: 2) Here you see that the tongue not only can have an effect on physical health and well being but also that being able to take control of one’s tongue and mouth is the key to all of Christian conduct and behavior.
In light of the impact for good or bad that our tongues and mouth can have…and because of the importance that God places on our speech and conduct, we would do well to heed the supplications of the Psalmist: “May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Ps. 19: 14)
Amen…May that be our prayer each and every day!
Have a great day.
With my love,
Dad