A spiritual check-up pt 1 - the mouth

I was thinking about how we make sure that our cars are checked over regularly (in the UK we have the MOT which has to happen every year) and we have health check-ups, so what about a spiritual check-Up? How can we see how we are going in our spiritual journey?

In Proverbs 4:20-27 we are told to watch over our hearts with diligence. The passage talks about using eyes, mouth, ears, and feet in this process. In Proverbs 6:15-19 we are told about things which the Lord hates, that are an abomination to Him. Again we are told about the eyes, mouth, ears, feet, and also the hands. If we look at the way we use these parts of the body we can get an idea about what is happening in our heart and therefore how we are doing spiritually.

Let's start with the mouth.

There are two main functions of the mouth - speaking and tasting. Two of the ten commandments are to do with what comes out of our mouths (3 and 9). That's 20% of the core of how to behave. God is concerned with how we use our mouths because what we say can profoundly affect other people for good or ill. We should look to James when he talks of the tongue. In chapter 3 he talks about the damage an unbridled tongue can do, comparing it with a forest fire and a rudder. So how is your speech lately? Does it include profanity? Do you start or fan the forest fires of rumour and gossip? Do you build up or tear down with your words? Does your tongue move you in the right direction?

The way you speak to others speaks about the state of your own heart. Jesus says that what is in the heart flows out of the mouth (Matt 12:34). If you are full of love it will be evident in your speech. Jesus also said that it is what comes out of your mouth that defiles you, not what goes into it. 

What about taste? When we think about the things that we taste spiritually, they are the things that bring joy and that satisfy. What things in your life do that for you at the moment? Are they good and righteous things? Or are they sinful? 

We need to consider Isaiah 55:1-2 and spend on what satisfies. Are you trying to get satisfaction from somewhere other than God? Be honest with yourself.

How are you doing with your mouth?