p. 262 | OUR WORDS by Carrie Knight

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 26, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 17.

OUR WORDS.

By Carrie Knight

BY CARRIE KNIGHT.

“Be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Rom. 12: 2.

Surely God has drawn a line of distinction between the children of God and the children of the world, in things we often hear designated as little things, as well as in greater things. It is in what is so often styled little things that our greatest danger lies, for it is “the little foxes that spoil the vines.” While the professed child of God would perhaps shudder and hold up his hands in horror at the suggestions of Satan to steal, lie, cheat, or swear, yet he commits sins which are just as truly condemned of Heaven. Among these may be counted by words, foolish talking, jesting, tattling, meddling in other men’s matters, and, as “a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump,” so one evil leads to another. As a result we lose our taste for Bible study, and, instead of the love we once had for the place of worship, where the people of God are assembled together, we find a careless disposition regarding the matter. Secret prayer is neglected, and if we praise God at all, it is as sounding brass and tinkling cymbals. And thus we drift away from God and help the adversary.

Our words are a sure index to the heart, “for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Matt. 12: 34. Oh, how often do we hear professed Christians indulging in this light, trashy talk! And how often do the same persons, when rebuked, style it a little thing! But, oh, how great it appears in view of the judgment! for God says: “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matt. 12: 36, 37.

Does God mean what he says? or will he excuse and allow us to indulge once in a while? If we are so strict, will not the world call us fanatics? But God says, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth.” Eph. 4: 29. “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.” 1 Peter 1: 15.

If we realized fully that we are in the judgment hour, standing on the verge of the eternal world, would we not be seeking with solemn hearts and earnest desire for an acceptance with God? The true Christian cannot walk hand in hand with the world, for God says he will have a peculiar people. Then if we would be a peculiar people, we must be different from the children of the world. Human effort cannot make us so, but, praise God, we can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth us. May the prayer of each heart be, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Ps. 19: 14.

“And must I be to judgment brought, And answer in that day For every vain and idle thought, And every word I say? Yes, every secret of my heart Shall shortly be made known, And I receive my just deserts For all that I have done.”

Visalia, Cal.