A Golden Declaration

When we approach God in prayer we don't make rash vows and promises because in our own strength we will eventually fail. Often in times of testing and temptations we find ourselves doing the very thing we promised not to do. We find ourselves ensnared by our own words!

David's michtam which means in Hebrew "golden" makes a very strong statement in Psalms 16:4, Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips." (KJV).

This should be our golden declaration to have holy lips that exalt God alone. We must refuse to repeat (and watch for that matter) the latest TV show filled with violence or mocks God, retell a filthy joke or speak foolishly that leads to ungodly conversations. But as Paul writes, "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6, KJV).

This is a holy resolve we need to ask God to give us. A resolve to live a holy life in a world that is corrupt and polluted. This includes our lips that refuse to speak what our culture gives its strength and adoration (a form of worship).

Beloved, the American culture is a culture of idolatry - it's music, film stars, radio and other media personalities and sadly even so called ministers who capitalize on a devilish health and wealth gospel. The prevailing influence of idolatry is more often expressed through communication. We must take heed to I Corinthians 10:14 warning, "Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry." (KJV).

Idolatry can be very subtle. I noticed in a recent men's gathering the number of men quoting other authors and speakers but few recalled the Scriptures. While these authors and speakers may have sound teaching and may model godly character there is a tendency in church communities to place weight on what others say rather than heed to the voice of God speaking to them directly from the Scripture. Sadly, we have lifted up our souls to another and our spiritual lives have become defined by the rise and fall of a Christian leader's voice or some minister we have exalted on a platform.

Brothers and sisters, let us resolve to extol the Lord. To praise Him with holy lips. To declare as Job, "My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit." (Job 27:4, KJV).