Our mouths give voice to our hearts.
"For out of the fullness (the overflow, the superabundance) of the heart the mouth speaks." Matthew 12:34b
We all are capable of adjusting our outward actions, but without an inward change, what is inside will eventually surface. Infection may go unnoticed for awhile, but always manifests on the outside in time. A sure indication, a clear warning that something is not right and needs fixing.
It is important that we guard our mouths when we feel destructive words and attitudes well up from inside - BUT we need to recognize that it is there and not going to go away on its own. We need the help of the Holy Spirit to shine a light on the darkness inside and allow Him to reveal and pull out the roots.
For many, this isn't a simple work because the roots are so firmly planted. There requires a surrendering of old mindsets and ways, an unbiased approach in prayer, and total submission to the Word in order for God to do that inner surgery. Just as we physically cannot stay healthy and in shape without exercising, neither can we emotionally and spiritually. There's a workout involved. It takes dedication and a sold out devotion to becoming more and more like Christ in our actions and our attitudes.
The Bible says we HAVE the mind of Christ. We can think like Him. We can live like Him. However, it doesn't just happen on it's own. You cannot get to know somebody or model after someone you do not spend a significant amount of time with. Spending that time with Him is our responsibility, as is renewing our mind through the reading, the studying, and the applying of God's Word in our lives.
Let's take our spiritual vitamins of Scripture every single day. If we will humbly listen and apply the knowledge we learn, He will show us the inward work needed and will lead us down the path to our wholeness. :)
(1 Corinthians 2:16, Romans 12:2, Psalm 119:11)
