Speaking or Talking?

What was the topic of daily conversation in Corinth?

We know from Paul's writings to the church that their talking was immature and caused division.

I wonder if conversations in Bixby are all that much different from Corinthian chatter.
Are we speaking life and building people up or are we speaking discouragement and tearing people down?

In Job 11, we gain insight into the content of talking compared to speaking. Talk will reduce men to silence. In dominating the conversation, the talker gives no hope, no light, no promise, no building up. It leaves people silent.

Secondly, the book of Job says talking is often filled with idle chatter. Maybe you're not talking about people or bringing others down, but if you’re not encouraging others through your words, then you’re not glorifying God. Idle talk is a step below superficial chit chat. Just think of what would be different in our lives, in our church, if we became a people who didn't participate in idle chatter?

Third, if we are talking, we will have trouble remembering what was said. Have you ever been on the phone with someone and when you hung up, you really couldn't remember what was discussed. This happens to me at the end of a busy, talk-filled day. If I can't remember the words of the day--there's a good chance I was talking more than speaking. Significant speaking is remembered!

Finally, talkers rarely encourage. If you come from a conversation and feel encouraged, then you've just been around someone who has spoken life and love into you. It’s how we should function as a church and people. The sounds of Speaking should fill our homes.

Parents, It is God's commandment for you to correct your children and that includes disciplining them with love in your words. It includes speaking life into your children and into the possibilities of who they are and what they will become. Speaking should be the rule for words in your home.

To determine if you’re speaking, before opening your mouth, ask yourself these two questions:

• Does this give life or death?
• Do I need to say it or do they need to hear it?

If we’re speaking life, then we’re thinking right…and if we’re thinking right then our words will be more in line with God's word. Our speech will give life to the hearer and maintain an attitude of thanks. It will produce love, the antidote to division, not destruction.

Saints, my encouragement to you…is to speak life and love throughout your day. Be sure to affirm to others what they mean to you… tell them what they're good at, encourage them to move toward the possibilities of what God has for them.

Also, begin to speak about what you want God to bring about in your life. God wants you to have an abundant life through kingdom living. Speak life into your marriage, speak life into your friendships, speak life into your finances...when you see trouble, begin to "call things that are not as though they are."

Speak the truth in love as we multiply the Kingdom in Bixby.

Love,

Pastor Steve