Introduction
Words are powerful. They can build
bridges or burn them, heal wounds or inflict pain, and reflect the deepest
truths or the darkest lies within us. In Matthew 15:10, Jesus says, “Listen
and understand. What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him unclean, but
what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him unclean.” This teaching
reminds us that our words are not merely sounds but a window into the condition
of our hearts.
In today’s world, the challenge to
speak thoughtfully and truthfully is greater than ever. Social media, peer
pressure, and the desire for acceptance often tempt us to compromise our
values. How often do we say something not because it is true or right, but
because it will earn us the approval of those around us? The need to fit in, to
be loved and accepted, is universal—but it can also lead us down dangerous
paths.
Even Peter, one of Jesus’ closest
disciples, succumbed to this temptation. When faced with the fear of
persecution, he denied Jesus three times, despite his earlier promises of loyalty.
If Peter, who walked and talked with Christ, could falter in his words, how
much more susceptible are we?
The words we speak are shaped by the
influences around us, and those influences can either draw us closer to God or
pull us away. Peer pressure, societal norms, and personal insecurities all play
a role in how we communicate. Yet, Jesus calls us to a higher standard—a
standard that requires us to guard our hearts and tongues diligently.
In this article, we will explore the
profound impact of our words, the importance of standing firm in our faith, and
how we can find strength and guidance in the Lord. By examining Peter’s story
and applying biblical teachings, we will learn how to navigate the pressures of
life while maintaining our integrity and spiritual purity.
Be Careful How You Speak
Matthew 15:10 – Jesus said, “Listen and understand. What goes into a man’s
mouth does not make him unclean, but what comes out of his mouth, that is what
makes him unclean.”
Matthew 15:18–19 – “But the things that come out of the mouth come from the
heart, and these make a man unclean. For out of the heart come evil thoughts:
murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are
what make a man unclean.”
Matthew 10:28 – “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill
the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in
hell.”
The Lord cautions us to be aware of
those we associate with. I find it easy to be cynical, attempting to fit into
the crowd of friends or people I find myself surrounded by.
Cynical – one who believes all human actions have selfish motives.
It is easy to lower our moral high
ground for the sake of acceptance. Most of us are so desperate or longing to be
loved and accepted that we sacrifice our morals just to fit in. We have to be
very careful about what we say and do. Be on guard—don’t let the evil one gain
a foothold. He will use everyone and everything to separate you from the love
of God. Our need to feel accepted by a group, especially when we are young, is
tremendous.
Peer pressure corrupts even the
holiest of individuals.
Look at the story of Peter – Matthew
26:69–75:
Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him.
“You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.
But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,”
he said.
Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said
to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”
After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said,
“Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.”
Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the
man!” Immediately a rooster crowed.
Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows,
you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Here was Peter, an apostle of the
Lord, one of Jesus’ closest friends and followers. Moments after Jesus was
arrested, Peter found himself among a group of fellow Israelites.
See Matthew 10:14 – “If anyone
will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake
the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”
Three times Peter was questioned
about his association with Jesus, and three times he denied knowing Him. He
lied to protect himself, thinking he might be arrested along with Jesus.
Influenced by fear and the crowd, Peter’s desire to survive overpowered his
faith. In that moment of weakness, his honesty and integrity faltered.
If Peter, who had known Christ
personally, could fall short, how much harder is it for us, who have never seen
Christ? Even though Jesus predicted Peter’s denial, Peter still failed.
Our need to fit in and feel accepted
is no less challenging. To maintain the moral high ground, to hold fast to our
convictions, and to be willing to be shunned for our beliefs requires the
strength of the Lord. It is easy to follow the crowd and participate in
wrongdoings. In moments of weakness, it is important to remember that our
Heavenly Father will never leave us or forsake us. He loves us, even when it
feels like no one else does.
When you follow Christ and obey His
commands, it may seem at times you are alone. But the Lord is always with you.
See Mark 1:45 – “Jesus stayed
outside in lonely places.”
Do not let self-pity and feelings of
worthlessness consume you. These feelings are exactly what the devil desires
you to feel so that you are tempted to sin for the sake of acceptance. If
anyone rejects you because of your faith or integrity, move on. There are many
who would cherish such a friend.
Don’t give up hope. Lay up treasures
in heaven where neither moth nor rust can destroy. Eternal salvation is the
goal. Keep your focus on this glory.
Remember to think before you speak.
It is better to listen than to say something that could corrupt your soul. Our
Lord is forgiving and merciful. If you falter, come before Him and ask for
forgiveness. If you have harmed another, pray that the Lord will soften their
heart and give you the humility to seek their forgiveness.
Conclusion
Guarding our words is not just about
avoiding sin—it’s about actively reflecting the light of Christ in a dark
world. As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 15:18–19, “The things that come out of
the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man unclean.” Our words
reveal who we truly are. They have the power to draw others to Christ or push
them away.
The world often pressures us to
conform, to speak and act in ways that contradict our faith. But we are not
called to follow the crowd; we are called to follow Christ. This path is not
easy. It may lead to loneliness or rejection, just as Jesus Himself experienced.
However, we are never truly alone. Our Heavenly Father walks with us, offering
strength, guidance, and unconditional love.
In moments of weakness, remember
Peter’s story—not as a tale of failure, but as a testament to God’s grace.
Peter’s denial of Christ was not the end of his journey; it was a turning
point. Despite his faltering faith, Jesus forgave him and entrusted him with
the responsibility of building the Church. This same grace is available to us
when we fall short.
Let us be mindful of the words we
speak, seeking always to honor God. Before we speak, let us pause and ask: Is
what I’m about to say pleasing to the Lord? If not, silence may be the most
faithful choice.
As my mother often said, “If you don’t have something nice to say,
don’t say anything at all.” These words, simple yet profound, remind us
that kindness and restraint are acts of faith.
In the end, our goal is not to
please man, but to glorify God. Let us lay up treasures in heaven, where
neither moth nor rust can destroy, and strive each day to live in harmony with
one another. By guarding our hearts and words, we reflect the love and grace of
our Creator—and in doing so, we fulfill our highest calling.
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