Christian Talents 2: Speech And Influence

Text: Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

In trying to correct error; the Christian must be very careful with his words. Sharp and severe speech is unlikely to heal a wounded soul and may simply stir the person in error up to become rebellious. Much better to offer the reproof using words spoken in love, and to allow the Holy Spirit to supply the force and the power. The duty of barring corrUpt speech is laid upon every believer and when we find ourselves in the company of those who indulge In foolish talk, our best policy will be to by to change the subject of conversation if possible, and to turn it to a more prof table channel.

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Colossians 4: 2-6

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Also, as followers of Jesus, we ought to make our speech such as to be an encouragement to others in the Christian life, and to those who do not yet know the Saviour, we should look for opportunities to tell them of Jesus. To present Him to them. There is no greater work than this in which to employ the power of speech. To speak with grace means to say what is spiritual, wholesome, fitting, kind, sensitive, purposeful, complementary, gentle, truthful, loving, and thoughtful.

Our speech should act as a purifying influence, rescuing conversation from the filth that so often engulfs it. Salt also adds flavour, and our speech should add charm and wit to conversations. That is why we should pray for that learned tongue that will make us to know how to speak a word in season to the weary (Isaiah 50:4). Our knowledge of God's word and wisdom from above will help us to know how to speak the right words at the right time; and when to set a guard on our tongue for that golden silence.

Matthew 5:14 -16

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

The influence which we have upon others is a factor which is hard to measure, as much of its effect can be unseen. However, Christian influence is a great responsibility. When a pebble is thrown into a lake, 3 wave is formed, and then another and another. The circle widens further and further, until it may reach the very shore. So it is with our influence. Beyond our knowledge or control, our influence tells upon others. And we must beware because our influence can work for good or for bad.

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Upon the impression we make hang results for helping or for hindering. We are a link in a long chain of human events, extending beyond what we know. If by a good example, we assist others in the. forming of good principles, then in their turn they may exert the same good influence upon others. However, those Christians who choose to freely indulge in criticism and accusing and who frequently express discontent within the church, will only sow distrust and unbelief.

Luke 12: 8-9

Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

Our Lord Jesus wants us to shine His light to the world we live so that by the good works they see in us, will glorify our heavenly Father. Our words, manner of life and conduct are surely saying something about us, which the world is using to interpret our faith. With God's help and through prayer, we can take the better course, so that our influence maybe a mighty power in drawing others to Christ and his word.