May 8, 2002

Reading: Job 33: 1-6

 

“Set your words in order before me” Job 33:5

 

When Joseph, son of Jacob, was second in command over all of Egypt, his brothers came to him for help. They were unaware he was their brother, and were suffering a famine in their own land so went to Egypt to acquire food. Joseph kept his brothers in prison while he sent one of them back for Benjamin, their youngest brother. Joseph wanted proof they were telling the truth, and said, “Send one of you, and let him bring your brother; and you shall be kept in prison, that your words may be tested to see whether there is any truth in you” Gen 42:16.

I was angry at God for 23 years, and had no contact with the church or Christians. When God restored me to Himself, and I began mixing with Christians, I was stunned by the language that has been adopted by some. Words, for which I was punished for using as a child, rolled off the tongues of those who claim to be Christians. An Elder frequently uses a word for which I had my mouth washed out with soap! I am aware these words have become accepted in “family” television (the media seem to introduce a few of these words as acceptable every season), but I was and am shocked to hear them used by some of God’s people. It is time we need to “test” our words in the light of God’s Word. If the unsaved hear us speak, will they notice a difference from that which they hear in the world? It is time for some to “Set your words in order before” God. Our words should glorify God – there is no room for improvise.

 

In all the words we speak there is power

For good or ill; there never is an hour

But we must ever keen and guarded be;

So, set a watch, O Lord! My Keeper be.

 

My lips can of Thy love and praise forth tell;

And yet I know, O Lord – I know it well –

The moment passes when the choice is given,

O slow of heart! I ask to be forgiven.

 

And when in stress I Thee forget, nor pause

To weigh my words; speak ill without a cause,

And often in rashness from Thy truth depart –

I pray Thee Lord, in mercy, cleanse my heart.

 

So for Thy glory, this, O Lord, I pray –

Take Thou my lips and speak through them today;

Prove Thou my words and all my thoughts control,

And let Thy Spirit sanctify the whole.

 

Then shall Thy will on earth, O Lord, be done

When through my members victories are won,

And by Thy grace, my words and works express

Thy likeness – in life I Thee confess.

M. F. Morgan

 

“Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips” Ps 141:3.