Articles
Words Matters
"CONDUCT MATTERS!"
I'm sure you've heard this expression be-fore. Our behavior sends a message to others about what it is that we think is important. The way we behave, whether it be in a negative or positive sense, has a strong impact on those with whom we come into contact. I hear parents send their children out for the evening with the words: "You behave yourself." And, "You know how to act." Or, "People are watch-ing you." It is obvious when a parent says such things that they believe conduct matters.
Our lives need to reflect an attitude and a behavior that pleases our God and en-courages others. How we spend our time, how we treat our neighbor, the language we use, the choices we make in entertain-ment all impact our lives, either for good or for bad. Yes, conduct matters.
The Psalmist values and writes of the im-portance of appropriate, godly behavior. "I will walk within my house in the integri-ty of my heart. I will set no worthless things before my eyes. I hate the work of those who fall away. It shall not fasten its grip on me." (Psalm 101:2,3) "My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land and they may dwell with me. He who practices deceit shall not dwell in my house." (Psalm 101: 6,7)
There is an obvious difference in negative behavior and actions which keep God at the center. "The path of righteousness is like the light of dawn that shines brighter and brighter until the full day. The way of the wicked is like darkness. They do not know over what they stumble." (Proverbs 4:18-19.)
"There are 6 things that the Lord hates. Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him. Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. A heart that devises wicked plans. Feet that run rapidly to evil. A false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among the brethren." (Proverbs 6:16-19)
And, so, yes, behavior matters. Godly behavior has a positive effect on others. We should treat others the way we desire to be treated. We should search the word of God for Biblical examples of behavior that is kind to others and pleasing to God.
In addition to the impact that our BEHAVIOR has on ourselves and on others, our very WORDs matter. The choice of Words we use will lead either to discouragement or enlightenment. As the Proverbs say: "There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." (Proverbs 12:18.) The tongue can be either a knife or a spoon; it cuts or it sustains.
Language should edify. Words should encourage. How can we be ambassadors of Christ if our words discourage? The apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians to "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt so you will know how you should respond to each person." (Colossians 4:6)
In his letter to the twelve tribes, James asks how a man can model Christian behavior if he does not "bridle" his tongue. He instead "deceives his own heart." James calls that man's religion "worthless." (James 1:26)
Are the words we have chosen encouraging or demeaning? Do they reflect careful thought or reckless behavior? Do we "carry tales" and delight in gossip? Are we addicted to social media and enjoy "passing along" information that is really none of our busi-ness?
Are the movies we watch and the books we read filled with lan-guage that is good for edification, or that influences us in a nega-tive way?
Yes, words matter. They have a strong impact on our lives and our future. Remember the warning of Jesus: "But I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they shall give an ac-counting of it in the day of judgement. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37). We should all be humbled by the importance of our language.
So each of us should always be mindful of the serious impact of our behavior. We should remember that our actions and our lan-guage are being
