Today’s Reading, Malachi 1-4
Focal Scripture: Malachi 2:7 “For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should desire instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the Lord of Armies.”
Words have power. Words can bring life and they can bring death. I have seen the words of others bring people back from a place of absolute despair. When someone is encouraged and told the truth in love it is a soothing balm to the soul. I have also seen words destroy other people. Words that were harsh, mean, and with the intent to hurt another for a variety of reasons. How a person speaks reveals their heart and their relationship with the Lord.
In today’s reading we see that speech from a religious leader, especially the pastor/priest/elder should guard knowledge. The speech should be so soothing that people desire knowledge from this speech. The priests speech should be understood as direct words from the Lord. This is not just when they preach a message but in how they live their life on a daily basis.
So what is the practical implication for us today? If you believe you are called to be a pastor and your speech is terrible you need to step away and get your heart right before the Lord. If you talk about others behind their backs you are a gossip. If you speak negatively towards those whom disagree with you, you have a jealous heart. If you use the pulpit to address issues, you are a spiritual abuser. In all of these areas and more your speech reveals your heart and ability to minister. If you can be defined by any of these you need to seek biblical counseling and deal with your issues.
On the positive side, Godly speech brings life and exalts the Lord. Faithful pastors leave a trail of people who are better than they were when they were found. They encourage others on, in truth and love. Pastors with good speech are always truthful and can speak to everyone with kindness and respect. A pastor who speaks to you well privately leaves an impression that goes beyond a sermon. It demonstrates the way God speaks to his children.
The point of today is for you to have a high speech standard for pastors. No they are not perfect and will make mistakes. However, if they continually hurt others and speak in mean and degrading ways they are unfit for the ministry. They are verbal and spiritual abusers. As believers we must do a better job of protecting the people and having higher standards.
Examine your speech and expect good speech from those who lead Gods church.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Matthew 1-4
