Stewardship

These words from Matthew 12 are the words of Jesus. And they cause me to get quiet in a hurry.

““Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12‬:‭33‬-‭37‬ ‭NIV‬‬

These words of Jesus create in me a desire to examine my heart. I am now exposed before His presence. And these words of Jesus cause me to repent with sorrow for I have spoken empty words.

I have most of my life had what used to be called the gift of gab! Simply put I love words and I love to talk. I also enjoy the fellowship of conversation.

Some of my favorite memories from childhood are those of my parents and neighbors sharing meals and conversation around a table while children swam and played until sleep took over. Sometimes the fellowship looked like block party picnics or the ladies coffee clutch.

And yet, I know from my own life experience that Jesus’ words are true. The words coming out of my mouth flow from the true condition of my heart.

It is an unfortunate truth that seasons of my own heart disrepair have produced hurtful words. And it saddens me to think that I am unable to take back unnecessary and empty words flung without regard for the target. My sincerest apologies for hurting you.

I know that I will give account for my lack of stewardship with regard to my heart and my words.

And then I remember Peter. I can relate to him as I think we both could let our words get ahead of our brains. But Jesus knows that about us and His compassion is full with regard to our verbal frailties.

I am grateful for family and friends who have listened to my many words and who have guided me toward heart healing. Thank you each one for your forgiveness and grace.

Pain is real and grief must be worked through. I’ve been encouraged by ministry leaders who have called my verbal vulnerability refreshing, but there are appropriate times and places. And I am eternally grateful for all who have walked with me through seasons of learning to steward well the condition of my emotional heart.

Interestingly, as I’m sure Jesus knows expertly of all He speaks, my words have become fewer and more purposeful. The more healed my heart, the more I am intentionally stewarding my words.

One of my pastors from my early relationship with Christ spoke these amazing words from Psalm 19 each time he stepped into the pulpit to give his sermon.

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬

I long to hear Jesus say, as do you, “Well done.”

Still one of my favorite aspects of life is gathering around a table with food, drink and conversation. And this is my prayer that the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart would be pleasing to the Lord. I do pray that on the day I give account to Him alone, King Jesus will be able to say that I finally learned in the end to steward well my heart and my words.

Eyes on Jesus and Shine,

~Lisa

PS ~ if you’ve followed me for any part of this 28 day writing challenge, thank you! Thank you for reading, commenting and sharing my words. I pray my words have been thoughtful ponderings & edifying to the body of Christ. I pray my words have been pleasing to our Lord and that He is glorified.

I will continue to pray ~

Lord, teach me Your ways that I might learn to rely on Your faithfulness. Give me an undivided heart that I will fear Your name. Amen.

{Paslm 86:11}