The Most Powerful Weapon

We speak openly and freely against weapons of mass destruction, but I think we often forget that every single one of us possesses a weapon so powerful that it can cause eternal damage. I would like to argue that the human tongue is the most powerful weapon on the face of this earth. Just one little word spoken in haste, can ignite a wildfire that will destroy everything in its path. One little gossip that we share without second thought, can result in a harvest of most bitter fruit.

The tongue is especially powerful because it can both enoble and debase. We can lift people up with our words, or we can tear them down.

Our words can draw people closer to Jesus, or they can drive them away from Him.

James 1;26 says: "Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless."

The bible is very clear that our religion is worthless if we do not bridle our tongues. This is no light matter!

It is sometimes very hard to bite our tongues especially when we are provoked, or when somebody hurts us. If we however could see just how much evil can be prevented by not opening our mouths, I think we would be a lot more careful about what we say.

In my devotions this morning I read a very powerful quote by EGW, that is very applicable to this topic: "Words spoken in reply to those who are angry, usually act as a whip, lashing the temper into fury instead of soothing it. Great blessings are lost because of passionate words. Let us learn lessons of self-control. Feelings of anger, when met with silence, die out very quickly. Silence is eloquence, and puts to shame the one who is full of wrath. We can mortify Satan by keeping the tongue with all diligence." She goes on to say: "We are to realize that the divine Presence is constantly by our side. Christ has said, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." He hears every unkind word, every harsh, cutting expression. Could we see Him standing by our side, would we speak such words? Words that create heart-burnings and disunion should never escape our lips. Let us guard carefully every word and act, walking in all lowliness of mind, cherishing a spirit of meekness and kindness. "

This really struck home to me. Silence truly is better than speaking words in the heat of the moment. This does not mean giving somebody the "silent" treatment, but rather it means taking the time to regain composure, and to pray before opening my mouth.

This following quote puts things into perspective: "As Satan failed utterly in his attempt to cause Christ to sin, so he will fail of overcoming us, if we will act sensibly. Let us firmly resolve that when the enemy tempts us to speak hastily, feeling that we are treated unjustly or are misunderstood, we will not open our lips. If we should speak even one world in reply, the enemy would be almost sure to gain the victory. We must learn the lesson of silence. With tongues bridled, we may be victorious in every trial of patience through which we are called to pass. "

It is my most earnest prayer that every word I speak meets to approval of my heavenly Father. May I learn to be silent when provoked to speak harshly, and may I ever remember that if Jesus would have just spoken one hasty word, we would be eternally lost. Teach me precious Father, to speak words that are a savor of life unto life, and help my words to draw people heavenward.