Day Nine-Every Word Is Important!

"Put away from you a deceitful mouth and put devious speech far from you. Let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you" (Proverbs 4:24-25). (NAS)

"Do not talk out both sides of your mouth, avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions" (Proverbs 4:24-25). (The Message)

In competing focus is everything. Focus is the ability to concentrate of the goal that is before you. Focus enables you to hit the mark and acquire the goal. Most do not realize that even those things that seem so innocent can take your focus away from you achieving your goal.

The writer of the text, emphasizes the importance of our words in the focus equation. In essence the writer shares that every word is important in maintaining a godly focus. He is emphatic that a deceitful mouth and devious speech is harmful to the individuals focus. The Message Bible's translation brings out the clarity of devious speech defining it as "careless banter, white lies and gossip".

I was at a church recently where everyone greeted everyone with a customary, "Praise the Lord!" And the response was, "Praise Him". It was a nice greeting, but as I was in the hospitality suite awaiting the service, most of the conversations were careless banter of talk that most often was a flexing of spiritual knowledge of the word in some superficial way or gossip about the new pastor and his perceived weaknesses in oratory. I was totally appalled. Where these sincere and well meaning individuals were serving, the reality is that they were creating an atmosphere of negativity that is producing a cloud that will hinder the work of the Lord. Even though it may seem harmless, it is corrosive. Every word is important in terms of our spiritual focus and building the Kingdom.

We must understand that every word is important because we create an environment and atmosphere with our words that can edify and support us, or it can hinder us. Our words about others may seem harmless enough, but it creates an atmosphere and spirit that most often hinder us in our pursuits. That is why the common wisdom is given, "If you can't say something good about someone, don't say anything at all." Have you ever noticed that when you are in a negative conversation filled with gossip, lies and superficiality that it produces a negative vibe and effects your spirit as well?

I once knew a woman, she was one of the most negative people I ever met. Everyone was always wrong, she would gossip and share people's business in a way that was destructive even though she would masquerade it in being concerned and praying for them. Because of her negativity and corrupt communication, gossip and the like, her life was always in turmoil. She loved the Lord, but could not keep a job, kids where always in straits, finances in lack, relationships with others strained, and she could never figure out why she was not blessed. But before we are critical of this woman, we too my friend are just like her, because in most of our innocent communication with others we share negative, dis empowering statements and things that create environments of negativity that hinder and keeps us distracted. Perhaps, that is the reason why we are not walking in the fulness of blessings.

Remember, we must keep focus and remember all else is the "sideshow". We must focus on the goal of the Kingdom and that being manifested in our lives.

Living with Faith and Power and Creating a Phenomenal Life!

Bishop Keith Russell Lee
Hoffman Estates, IL and Los Angeles, CA

Focus: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O'Lord my strength and redeemer."

Spiritual Prayer Treatment

Lord, I place a "Watch" before my mouth.
I speak words of love, words of edification and
words of blessing.
My focus is continually upon you.
In the Name of Jesus, And through His Power!
Amen! And So It Is!