Letting Christ be the "Lord of our Speech" logically follows earlier lesson number three, "Lord of our Thoughts." Is not speech but the outflowing of ideas and concepts that reside within the mind? Words (including written as well as spoken) are the vehicle by which one mind communicates its thoughts to others. Although some insight into another’s thinking can be suggested by body language and actions, without words every person would indeed be a lonely isolated island floating upon the broad expanse of society.

May we not see the gift of speech as one of the facets that was included at creation within the "image of God" theme? For God is a communicating God. In contrast to the other earthly species, with Adam God discussed issues and man responded. But when sin overwhelmed the human race, this "image" was fractured and bent. The mind of man, that original "hard drive," was corrupted until "every inclination of the thoughts of his heart (and by extension, his words) was only evil all the time" (Gen. 6:5 NIV).

When God intercepted the human race to affect its salvation, he was identified as "The Word." Or, as the Desire of Ages perceptibly puts it, "God’s thought made audible" (20). This Word "became flesh" (John 1:1–3). God had, of course, already been "speaking" to his people by means of the prophets. But now in his ultimate conversation "He has spoken by His Son" (Heb. 1:1, 2).

And what was spoken by the Son? He spoke what men needed to hear and what God wanted to tell them. He spoke forgiveness. He spoke freedom. He spoke with authority. He spoke truth. He spoke gracious words. He spoke healing from sickness and resurrection from the grave after a man had been dead for four days. He explained, "The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life" (John 6:63). Even those seeking to do him harm confessed that "no one ever spoke the way this man does" (John 7:46)

This is the Son who is our Lord—the One whom we are to honor by our speech. What kind of speech will that be? From the recesses of our mind, from the pool of thoughts where ideas slosh back and forth like flotsam on a stormy tide, what words will slip across our tongues and through our lips? Will they be gracious words that reflect the speech of Jesus and witness to him? Or might they carry a mixed message, like some to whom the Apostle James wrote? He said, "Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing" (James 3:10).

Among the gifts of the Spirit that are provided to enable the church in ministry is the gift of tongues. We tend to identify this gift, perhaps on the basis of the Pentecost experience, as the ability to bridge across foreign languages. But might it not just be the intent of the Holy Spirit to sanctify our tongues for all spoken communication in any setting? If he can even move to frame my prayers to God (Rom. 8:26), is it not logical that he also wishes to frame my comments to my spouse, to a neighbor, or to the stranger along the way?

To form from the play and counterplay of the electrical impulses that flow from neuron to neuron within our brains words that will touch other minds and hearts is serious business. So suggests this week’s study. So taught Jesus. Example: "Men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matt. 12:36, 37)

Why?

Because the power of life or death rides on words. Few of us may occupy a chair that has the authority to set free or send to execution. But our words may lift from depression anxious fellow travelers or push them over the brink of despair. Our counsel may point them to a loving Savior who is ready to forgive a foolish past. It is Satan who is the "accuser of the brothers (and sisters)" (Rev. 12:10). Forbid it, Lord, that we should be joined with him by gossip or slander or such innuendo that brings dry rot to a relationship.

An ancient prayer is especially valid today. "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer" (Ps. 19:14).

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