The mouth is an example of God’s marvelous design. It contains some of the strongest muscles in the human body, specifically the tongue. While each mouth is unique in appearance, every mouth has the same physiological function…consumption of food and water to enable the furtherance of life.
However, the mouth has an even greater function than the continuance of physical life. In its greatest function, the mouth is meant to declare the One who created it, for the purpose of His glory!
What To Declare Of This Creator?
Declaration of Salvation!
“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)
Declaration of Praise!
Let my mouth be filled with Your praise and with Your glory all the day (Psalm 71:8)
Declaration of Honor!
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 89:1)
These are just a few of the many verses which picture the good and right function of the mouth. But what happens when the mouth doesn’t serve it’s proper function? Ultimately, this dysfunction of the mouth says more about the human heart attached, because out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks!
The Dysfunctional Mouth…
If my mouth is speaking poorly of others, while at other times (such as church services) I am proclaiming the excellencies of Christ, I am fooling myself into thinking my worship is pleasing to God.
If my mouth is speaking words that tear others down rather than building up, it is certain that my speech is corrupt and not serving the purposes of God.
If my mouth speaks words which boast in my own capabilities and greatness, I am only proving I think too highly of myself.
If my mouth speaks foolish or judgmental words, I know I am not being quick to hear and slow to speak which is a command from the Lord.
A Blessing & A Curse
The mouth is a blessing when under the control of the Spirit. It is a curse when it is used in a sinful fashion. Unfortunately, my mouth can sometimes be a source of my shame and embarrassment. The right and proper use of my mouth is something I am regularly asking the Lord to mature and grow me in.
In God’s mercy, He has given me a prayer and a promise found in His word. Both are a regular source of comfort.
Prayer… “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
Promise… “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
May the Lord grant to each of us a heart that cares deeply about the righteous use of our mouths; that we would be people who speak words that are acceptable in God’s sight because the meditations of our heart are pure and righteous. When we stumble in this area (because we all do), may we be quick to use our mouths to confess our sin and receive forgiveness and cleansing. May the Lord grow and sanctify us all in this area for His glory and His kingdom’s sake!
Thanks to my good friends Jane and Maggie for flashing their beautiful smiles and showing us lots of variation in the shape the mouth can take!
