Words Are Windows

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Exodus 20:7

We are studying the 10 Commandments in Children’s Church. Our recent lesson on the third commandment really spoke to my heart. We spent a great deal of time discussing the fact that our words tell who we are. If you were to say, “I need to work on my lesson plans.” Chances are good that you are a teacher. If I overheard you talking about paint colors and cutting in trim, I would guess you to be a painter. What we say, gives others clues to what we are. Not just our occupation but the condition of our hearts.

Carol Mader in the Kid’s Travel Guide to the 10 Commandments says, A transformed heart will result in transformed speech. Respect for God and God’s name begins with a humbled heart. As a window directly to our heart, our words are a reflection of what is truly inside. It is easy to pretend in public and put on a happy face and say “happy” things, but let the door close behind you or stress enter the room and it can be a different story. It is then that the “realness” shows up.

We should be diligent at the door of our heart. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23). If what we say is not honoring to God then Psalm 51:10 should be our prayer. Create in me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me. Good words, kind words, encouraging words, positive words and helpful words let others see God in you. In a world that easily uses God’s name as a cuss word, or for dramatic effect, as slang, or even texting shortcuts, stand firm in your faith. The English language has lots of adjectives, use those that are pleasing to the Kingdom of God. Carol Mader also said, A mouth that doesn’t respect God shows us a heart that doesn’t respect God either.

Love, honor and respect God by what you say. What do others see through the window to your heart?