It’s the new year – time for resolutions galore!

One of the more common annual resolutions seems to revolve around diet, doesn’t it? Eating more of this and less of that. Counting calories and measuring portions.

And while that is all good and helpful, I wonder how much better we’d be if we implemented this resolution in reverse.

Not so much watching what goes into our mouth as much as guarding what comes out of it.

Jesus said it best, “It’s not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth…” (Matthew 15:11 CSB)

“…whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is eliminated…what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a person.” (vs. 17-18)

How many times do we say things we regret?

How often do we speak untruths or make derogatory remarks about ourselves or others?

How many times during the day does our mouth go rogue because we lack the discipline to guard our tongue?

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21 CSB)

So often, we are our own worst enemies when it comes to sabotaging our peace, joy, and happiness because we haven’t trained ourselves to “…be slow to speak…” (James 1:19 CSB)

We can get so fixated on cares, worries, and fears that, before we know it, our mouths are running amok with statements crafted straight from the heart of our enemy not our Heavenly Father.

Giving our mouths that much control is reckless and unwise.

Learning to habitually speak words that encourage, build up, inspire, and help ourselves and others takes time.

One simple and gracious statement after another.

As we kick off this new year, I pray Proverbs 13:3 would be written on our hearts so that 2023 would be our best year yet!

“The one who guards his mouth [thinking before he speaks] protects his life; The one who opens his lips wide [and chatters without thinking] comes to ruin.” (AMP)

 Until next time, Grace and Glory!