The Bible stresses that what you say is an accurate indicator of what is in your heart. If your words bless and encourage others, they give evidence of a compassionate heart. If you often share the good news about Christ, you demonstrate a heart that is grateful for your own salvation. When others are in a crisis, do they know they will find peace and comfort in your words? Do you frequently and spontaneously offer prayers for others? Do your words and the manner in which you say them reveal a patient heart? All of these behaviors indicate a heart that is like the heart of the Father. Or do you often regret your words? Are there people even now who are hurt or angry because of something you have said? Do you enjoy gossip? Do you tend to criticize others? Do you feel that you are not responsible for what comes out of your mouth when you are angry? Does your mouth spew grumbling and complaints? These behaviors come from a heart that is unlike God's heart. You may say, “Oh, but that's just the way I am! I’m always saying the wrong thing!” Yet Scripture clearly states that an abusive tongue is not under the control of the Spirit (James 3:3–10). A sanctified mouth is a wonderful instrument for the Lord. A heart like the Father's heart will produce only pure and loving words. Without making any excuses for your words, ask the Holy Spirit to forgive you for any words that have brought harm. Then ask Him to discipline your mouth so that every word you speak is used by God to encourage and edify others. - Blackaby Experiencing God Day by Day
What's in there? We say in our mind's eye during some suspense filled show or movie we are watching. It's dark, the music is ominous. Without realizing it we start to either move forward where we sit or we push farther away. Something is there!
Now look at yourself. In everyone is a darkness. Only when a person receives Christ does a light come to illuminate all things. What are we before this light? Trained blind people is the simplest way to look at it. Trained blind people know their way around their homes. They force themselves to remember everything as to where it is and where they left it. The darkness is just something they are fully used to. But then they go outside. It's a different ballgame. They need to look at the world through touch and smell.
Sin keeps us in darkness. Christ abolished the darkness when He comes into a believers life. They finally see the state of their minds and hearts as He sees it. Then comes the choice. Submit to His workmanship to make them more like Christ or resist.
What's inside a person Christ is the answer to. All too many people misquote Scripture with 'you shouldn't judge'. That's actually contrary to Scripture to believe and live that way. Jesus said you will know people by their fruits. A tree is known by its fruits. What comes forth from its limbs defines what it is. You will know it by its fruits. What is inside the it comes to the surface. The fruit is revealed.
What's inside of you will come to the surface. It's not judging another when you see and understand what it is that's in front of you. To say you should not judge would be as ludicrous as looking for an apple tree among pear trees. You shouldn't try to determine which is which. Just accept whatever is in front of you as they are.
Christ tells us that we will give an account of our lives. Both the believer and the unbeliever. He says He weighs the thoughts and intentions of the heart. There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed. Simply put He sees right through us all. The definer of truth knows the Truth for that is who Jesus is.
We are the most deceived of the world. Both to ourselves and from our environment. If we look for truth anywhere else but Jesus we look in vain.
We are as easily distracted as a dog with a squirrel. In less than a heartbeat we change directions. Satan uses every temptation that he used against Jesus in the wilderness against us and all the ones not written. We are definitely all like sheep that have gone astray.
Look at your thoughts and actions and intentions. Look hard at them. What's coming out of you? Is it anger, malice, bitterness, or is it the fruits of the Spirit?
Are you more concerned about you or about what God wishes to do through you?
Are your rights more important than His Will in your life?
What's coming out of your heart?
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