May 27

Because the lips reveal the heart, Scripture informs us that all that is necessary for God to judge us on that final day is to examine what we have said -- everything we have said.

Scripture also informs us that therefore every single word we have ever spoken is important; there are no little words or moments when what we say can be ignored.

"I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken" (Mt. 12:36).

Every careless word? If words are so important and so powerful that from the lips of God they can create a universe and from the lips of men they can tear down or build up a human soul, then, yes, every careless word deserves judgment.

In the Scriptural record of the upbringing of Samuel, it describes an account when he was a boy of the Lord speaking to him, to which Samuel replied for the Lord to continue speaking, for his servant was listening (1 Sam. 3:10).

If we want to grow closer to the Lord, we must pay attention to words spoken. Samuel came to realize the extreme importance of this early, affirmed in verse 19 of this same passage, where it says that Samuel let none of the words of God fall to the ground.

Words are important -- especially when they come from God.

Scripture for today: 1 Samuel 3
Thought for today: God's Word deserves our utmost attention.
Prayer for today: When you speak, Lord, help me to pay attention.

MAY 27