Controlling Speech Helps Control the Body

“Too often people who are overcoming addictions are put in situations where they are asked to talk about all the things they used to do. Too many former addicts love to do this, and it is almost like they are reliving the glory days. The glaze of days gone by comes to their eyes; a comforting satisfaction of a good friend fills their speech as they tell of all the times that they gave in to the addiction that had destroyed their lives. Controlling the tongue is a key thing in bringing control to the rest of the body.” Pastor Rick Carter

I also have witnessed testimonies that were an attempt to show personal transformation but gave too much glory to the sins of the past. It seems that they remembered the enjoyment of sin more than the results. This kind of speech and thinking can lead a person right back into their sinful habit.

Also, listening to false doctrine can lead to sin. Paul gave a great defense of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15. There were those in the church who were listening to men challenge the physical resurrection. Paul shows the Corinthians that this kind of speech can lead a person to have the attitude of “eat, drink, for tomorrow we die.” False doctrine corrupts our thinking and living. Paul’s warning: 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

We must wake up and realize what effect our speech has on our own actions and the actions of others. Because speech proceeds out of our heart, we must change our meditation. We must meditate on those things that are acceptable to God. We must talk to God about our speech. We must fill our mind with good thoughts.

King David realized that his meditation, speech, and actions were tied together. He prays for God’s help: Psalm 141:3-4 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties. Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Affirmation of this Bible Truth: I confess the truth that controlling my speech will help me to control my body. I will no longer relive the stories of my sin and addiction, and I will constantly engage in speaking the truth in love to those that I meet.