Yesterday, my post was about plank in the eye disease. I’ve decided to continue this trend until the end of this week. There are many diseases floating around our world. Many are caused by bacteria or some kind of infection which travels from person to person. There are those caused through a physical gene passed from one generation to the next. Diseases can occur when the environment is filled with pollutants. We can pick them up just about anywhere. We learned the importance of washing hands and keeping our surroundings free from germs during the pandemic, but now that it seems to be under control and what have we learned?

Many diseases have a cure. Many are terminal. Many are endured and many cause great suffering. The disease caused by sin is all those things. When we sin against God, He is very clear about the results. When we sin against our fellow man, we’re creating a disease that spreads like wildfire. Foot in Mouth disease is referred to in the book of James, the stepbrother of Jesus, in the New Testament.

James 1:26 says, “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”

Someone once said, “Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time. You won’t have a leg to stand on.”  There are many times I’ve found myself saying things I don’t mean or using words that hurt without even realizing it. We are responsible for the power of our own words and often don’t think before we speak.  We also say things without realizing that our words have consequences.  My tongue doesn’t always follow the directions of my brain and seems to take on a life of its own. Life would be so much easier if we had a script to follow -wouldn’t it.

Words can slant our thinking. Words can destroy a person’s good name.  Words can cut deeper than a knife and alter the way others think about themselves and how they relate to the rest of the world.  Lies and slander don’t seem to carry the same weight that they used too.  In a world of no holds barred, and instant gratification, little thought is given to the effect our words can have.

Life is too short to go about having to apologize constantly for what we say.  If we don’t have something constructive to say, we should put a foot in our mouth simply to keep us quiet. What an interesting concept.  I wonder how many of us would be walking on one foot.

Dear Lord, I am sinful. My words are not always the right ones. When I’m tempted to say or think things that would hurt another person, remind me that I cannot even speak without your guidance. Still, you give me that freedom.  Help me to use my words to comfort, encourage and inspire others.  When we’re cut deeply by words, grant me the grace to forgive.  Allow me to put the best construction on all things. Teach me control what comes from my mouth. May my written words be used as my voice to glorify you alone.  Amen!