Seasoned with Grace

Julian and I had the pleasure of having lunch with Katherine Reynolds, assistant to the well-known pastor and author, Josh Harris. I really enjoyed Katherine's company and there was one thing about her company that I particularly appreciated.

Katherine was quick to give thanks, praise and glory to God in all general conversation. Her speech was seasoned with an obvious and genuine love for God. Whether discussing her housing situation or an unexpected event in her life, she was immediate in pointing to the hand of God in it. They were not theologically profound statements, nor were they of sermon length....they were just a word here, or a couple of words there, "Praise God", "God provided", and so on. It was plain to see that these words were just a true reflection of her heart, and it really showed me what, or Who her heart was focused on. God could not be separated from anything in her life. 'For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks' (Matt 12:34b) Her words did not sound contrived or forced.

I noticed this especially because this is what I want my speech to be. I long to have my heart so full of love for my God and his abundant grace, that my mouth cannot help but be opened! I have often feared that saying such things would sound awkward or phony, but this should not deter me in speaking!

I see great value in opening our mouths to give praise to God for a few reasons that I'll discuss briefly below:

1) It will help to develop a heart of true humility.

Katherine attends Covenant Life Church, where I know that practicing and cultivating a heart of humility is something that is frequently addressed. Her speech shows me that she is practicing this very thing indeed. If we are continually cognizant of God's work in our lives and intentional about opening our mouth about it, how then will we not grow in humility? Speaking of God's grace and goodness to us keeps us from boasting of anything in ourselves.

2) It can help to keep us from using our mouths dishonourably.

If we are purposeful in using our tongues to praise God or point to Christ in all things, I would guess that it would become increasingly difficult to use our mouth to curse others.

3) It will help my heart to feel what it should feel.

Often in our lives we don't feel like doing something, but we do it as an act of obedience. As an example, I may not feel like loving or forgiving a sister/brother, but if I intentionally do this, then most likely my heart will follow. So, likewise, if I find that my heart isn't thankful but I am always looking for ways to give thanks to God, then I will find things to be thankful for and inevitably my heart will become thankful.

These are just a few reasons, but of course there are many more, so acknowledge our God with your mouth, Christian! Speak of Christ, for your good and His glory.