A Holy Listener

[Daily Devotional]

A Holy Listener 

     There is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it
altogether. Ps. 139:4.  

     Every hour of the day we should realize that the Lord is near, that
He sees all we do, and hears every word we utter. . . . Cheap, earthly,
unchristian words may be represented as "strange fire," and with this
God can have nothing to do. The loud, boisterous laugh is a denial of
God in the soul, for it reveals that the truth is not ruling in the
heart. . . . By our vain words and unchristian example we dishonor God,
and imperil not only our own souls but also the souls of those with whom
we associate.  

     The example which Christ has given to the world forbids all levity
and cheapness, and if the life is made fragrant by the grace of God,
these elements will not appear. A genuine cheerfulness, an uplifting
influence, will flow forth from all who love God and keep His
commandments. And this carries with it a convincing, converting power.
"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12), says
the apostle. Why with fear and trembling? Lest you shall in any way
misrepresent your holy faith by lightness, by trifling, by jesting or
joking, and thus give others the impression that the truth which you
profess has no sanctifying influence upon the character.  

     As followers of Christ we should make our words such as to be a
help and an encouragement to one another in the Christian life. Far more
than we do, we need to speak of the precious chapters in our experience.
We should speak of the mercy and loving-kindness of God, of the
matchless depths of the Saviour's love. Our words should be words of
praise and thanksgiving. If the mind and heart are full of the love of
God, this will be revealed in the conversation. . . . Great thoughts,
noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth, unselfish purposes,
yearnings for piety and holiness, will bear fruit in words that reveal
the character of the heart treasure. When Christ is thus revealed in our
speech, it will have power in winning souls to Him.  



>From That I May Know Him - Page 138