What’s up Church!? Man, man, man, change is good! We have been given the opportunity to cultivate some new ground and plant some new seeds. God is moving, and His ways are so much higher than our ways—glory to the Most High!
So, we’ve talked about believing, faith, love, holiness, how we are the Church (not some building), and some other topics over the last week. And we’re going to start this week off with a goal in mind: watching what comes out of our mouths.
It has been brought to my attention that this is the #1 way we push potential or growing believers away.
The behavior change will not come instantly—it may take a little work—but if we have an identity change, then the behaviors go with it.
So, if I identify as a Christian, then there are expected behaviors that come with that, because we are now Christlike, and the Holy Spirit dwells in us and gives us the power to overcome weakness. And using words that carry negative, fleshly emotions/spirits are of the world and carnal—they glorify the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19–21).
Weak…
We are the Church (1 Corinthians 12:27). This is our ultimate identity.
Quite the opposite is true when we use words of encouragement, glory, and holiness. We then begin to speak blessings over others, and not curses.
Strength…
And yes—blessing and cursing can come out of the same mouth (James 3:10).
The Holy Bible says that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). It also says that you can tell a tree by its fruit (Matthew 7:16–20).
So what kind of fruit are you bearing, Church?
Are you encouraging or discouraging others? Are you using your God-given talent or gift to glorify God and what He has done for us and in us—or to glorify the world?
Really think about this.
God promises that everything we do shall prosper if we keep our focus on Him (Psalm 1:1–3), and what we concentrate on—that is what we become, correct?
We are what we eat, so to speak. What we allow in our eyes and ears is what forms our beliefs. Our beliefs trigger our emotions. Emotions trigger our behaviors. And our behaviors form our identities.
So:
Belief > Emotion > Behavior > Identity.
It’s in our new identity that we become. We become more like Christ as we grow closer to God—and He says that when we draw closer to Him, He draws closer to us (James 4:8).
And remember, we are created in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:27). Christ is our ultimate example—our Protector, our Provider, our Intercessor, our example of how to love as He has loved us.
So, would you speak a curse over someone you love?
Maybe if we were angry, right? I know, I get it. That’s why Jesus says when you stand praying, forgive (Mark 11:25), and if you have ought against any, to go to them quickly and seek forgiveness—do not let the sun go down upon your wrath (Ephesians 4:26).
How about over a stranger?
Well, the Bible says to be careful how you treat others, because you may be unaware that you’re entertaining an angel (Hebrews 13:2). And if you’ve done it to the least of these, you’ve done it to Me (Matthew 25:40).
We are called to love, Church—to be an example, to build up those who are weak in the faith (Romans 15:1), not to push others away.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). Draw on that strength, my brothers and sisters, to be able to do the things that we ought.
Be blessed Church, I love y’all!
—Apostle K