My reading today consists of laws about protection of property, social responsibility and the like. It's a lot of topic to cover. Too many in fact that it was hard to choose a verse. Until I came upon this ~ 

Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.

Exodus 23:1

While the context is in a court of law for the Israelites, it is also applicable to us in our daily walk. Simply stated, we are not to gossip and slander other people. That led me to thinking about how we use our mouths. It's a small part of the body but it wields a lot of power (James 3:5-6). How do we use that power? Do we use our mouths as a vessel of honor or dishonor?

The other night as we were coming home from dinner (yay, no cooking!), we were startled by a loud noise. Seemingly out of nowhere I heard, "Oh c**p! What the h**l was that?!?" (Cursing - vessel of dishonor) Imagine my surprise when I realized I said that! Then imagine my mortification when I realized my son heard me. He exclaimed, "Mom! That just hurt my heart to hear you say those words!" (Admonition - vessel of honor). Ah, out of the mouths of tweens... 

This incident was especially convicting since I always tell my sons to be mindful of what they say. (Strike 1) Then my mind went to earlier in the day when I vented about someone to another person. (Strike 2!) Was it warranted?  In the eyes of the world, I had every right to complain, yes. I must admit it felt good, too, because I felt vindicated. 

But...

I am not of this world, am I? (John 17:14-16)  God set me apart to be His witness to my circle of influence. Makes me wonder, do the things I say make me a malicious witness for Christ? 

Luke 6:45, "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks."  Ouch. Someone is definitely not getting the Mother of the Year award.

A year ago a group of us decided to do a challenge. For one month we are only going to say words that are true, kind and necessary. That TKN challenge was hard! It may be time to do it again. Plus, in light of the heightening tension between Iran and Israel and what bible prophecy says about that (Ezekiel 38) - add "share the gospel with someone" to the equation. Time is running out and nations and events are lining up for the fulfillment of bible prophecy. The return of Jesus Christ for His church is imminent (John 14:3, Rev 22:7). What better way to use our mouths than to add more people to God's Kingdom?