GOD’S HEART EXAM
Words are extremely important. The Bible says if you want to determine who a person really is, listen to the words they speak. “A man’s speech is determined by his heart.” (Matthew 12:34)
Jesus was very clear in Matthew 12:33 that you identify a tree by its fruit. You can’t call a fig tree a pecan tree when it’s producing figs or vice versa. What the tree produces determines what it is.
Jesus goes on to say that a man’s speech reveals the health of his heart. The words a person uses can reveal the rich treasures within him. Also, the words he uses can reveal how evil-hearted he is. (Matthew 12:34-35)
He makes it clear that all words matter. He said that even every idle word is one for which we have to give an account. Therefore, your words reflect who you really are—either you will be justified by them, or you will be condemned by them. (Matthew 12:36-37)
The best way to determine the health of your heart is to listen to the words that come out of your mouth. There are new means of technology that help evaluate the health of the human heart. Doctors are able to look at the images that technology produces and determine if surgery is needed on the heart, or what needs to be done to correct it. Now remember—you can’t function without your heart. When your heart stops, you stop!!
The best way to examine your heart is by listening to your words. Let me ask some questions and you evaluate your heart:
- Do my words express profanity?
- Would I use different words if I was totally conscious that God is standing beside me?
- Do my words build people up or tear people down?
- Do my words reflect our culture or my commitment to Christ?
- Do my words invite people into the Kingdom of God or keep them out?
I meet a lot of people who want to know if there is some exercise they can use to improve their language. The only way you can change your language is to change your heart. What you say is a result of who you are. You can never change your words until you change your heart!
Jesus made it clear—as a good tree produces good fruit; a good heart produces good words. A bad tree cannot produce good fruit. A polluted stream cannot produce pure water. James said the same thing. (James 3:9-12)
How did you do on your heart exam? Walking around with a faulty heart is extremely dangerous. Walking around with a pure heart produces words that are pleasing to God and very helpful to all people.
Using good words today runs counter to what you see and hear on television. Bad language has become acceptable—which is an indication of the heart of America. Listen to the words of the next movie or tv program that you watch—those words are the result of the heart of our country.
I’ve got a good friend who does heart surgery and transplants. I always feel more comfortable when he is around. I’ve got a better friend who is the Great Physician who is always around and does heart transplants. If your heart isn’t healthy, go to Him. (Matthew 12:33-37)
What does God’s EKG and MRI (your words) say about your heart?
