What then will we say?

     We often don't think about what we have said, what we are saying and what we are going to say because it doesn't matter to us.  It DOES matter to God.  He says that we will be accountable for every idle word we speak.  Do we believe this?  Or do we say, "Really?" and shake our head in pity for the ones who take the Scripture seriously?  It's not rocket science to acknowledge that what we have said has already gone out and can never be taken back.  I'm reminded of the TV shows and movies where the judge says, "The jury will disregard the last statement."  Right!  Once spoken that moment is indelibly written in time.  Good, bad, or indifferent what was said has been said and cannot be taken back.  We may wish that it wouldn't have been said, regret what was said and even feel guilty about what we have said.  None of those will unpull the trigger.  The shot has been taken and that's the way it goes.  Jesus cautions us to watch our hearts so that our thoughts will remain correct and speak only that which reflects the love of God.  Does your past feel like it's accomplished that?
     Here is a caveat that many of don't think about, don't consider and don't care much about.  What we speak may be in the past but it has forever changed the future either positively or negatively.  Like trust, once injured there is no innocence to be regained.  You may have not meant it but the world doesn't remember what you really meant even if they know what you meant in the first place.  William James said, "We may have a God in heaven who forgives us our sin but mankind does not."  That idle word, that angry word, that hurtful word, that unforgiving word all serve no positive place in your or my future.  Yet, Christians speak as if this isn't true.  They act like all you do is apologize and the effects of those word goes away.  God works that way but mankind does not.  The ramifications of those words is far reaching horizontally and vertically.  It's just the one whom received your word; it's everyone you know and everyone they know and the pyramid keeps growing.  What is remembered is your unchristian words and actions.  Your witness is damaged and people will be quick to remind you.
     So, what about today?  Do you want God to remember what you said?  He already knows what is in your heart and what is in your mind.  Do you want him to remember that which passes through your lips?  I'd to say that I have a clean slate but that isn't true.  It was never true and will never be true.  I'm a fallen creation that makes choices that God never intended a Christian to say.  Being thought a fool for being silent is better than being proved a fool for opening your mouth and saying what you want.  Some people won't like it when you say what God is wanting you to say but say it anyway.  It's better to stand in the presence of God and hear, "Well done thou good and faithful servant." than "What were you thinking?!"  Remember that every moment of every day is a choice what you will do, who you will represent and who you will bring the love of God to.  It's always your choice.