God's Account Book

2 Timothy 2:16-17 – Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. (NIV)

The little rural church in which I grew up taught children that God hears every word spoken. Our teacher taught that every word we spoke was a reflection on our God, our church, and our family. This was in the days before the mass media of television, Internet, and cellphone. We were told that God had a book in which He recorded every word we spoke, and some day, we would have to give an account for them.

We were also taught not to quarrel or to speak words of untruth or words that hurt. Truth was to be spoken, well-seasoned with love. Once a hurtful word was spoken, it could not be recalled. To us, that meant it would be in God's book, and we would have to account for it. The knowledge of this account book kept us on the straight and narrow way. We measured our words carefully before speaking them.

In the age of mass media today, in which Scripture is misquoted and verses are taken out of context, and philosophy and science are confused with the gospel, it is hard to distinguish between spiritualism and spirituality, and between miracles and science. Unless we study the Bible diligently and prayerfully, we can become confused as to which voice to follow.

2 Timothy 2:22 – Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (NIV)

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your Word as recorded in the Bible and for Your Holy Spirit to help us understand and discern Your truth. Keep us tuned to the right channel, and keep our words pure. Amen.