Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Mind Your Language Read Leviticus 5:1–6:7 Or if a person thoughtlessly takes an oath to do anything, whether good or evil—in any matter one might carelessly swear about—even though he is unaware of it, in any case when he learns of it he will be guilty. Leviticus 5:4 Like a loving mother, the Lord God desires His children to be spotless and clean. The journey to the foot of Mt. Sinai showed how easily they dirtied themselves. Therefore God specified in detail the regulations of the sin offering and guilt offering. The sin offering is required for unintentional action against ‘any of the Lord’s commands’. But unintentional sin against ‘the Lord’s holy things’ needs a guilt offering. These sins concern the first-fruits, first-borns, tithes and worship. The offender has to compensate fully plus a 20 percent fine. The list of sins in 5:1-4 and 6:1-5 relate to the manner we use words. Being too 'creative' can lead us to spill out half-truths. The sin of Achan (Joshua 7:20-26) teaches us that the family’s collaboration of silence can prove fatal. We need holiness in our speech and thoughts. Daily we are bombarded with ungodly ideas. Our bookstores are filled with books on witchcraft, feng shui, ghost and horror stories. The billboards by the roadside create a constant want within us. If we are involved in the industry, may God help us to keep our integrity. God regards a ‘thoughtless oath’ as a serious offence. Let’s remember the sacredness of the wedding vow ‘for better or for worse’. It is a pledge before God to see us through turbulent times, and not to run away at the first sign of ‘worse’. David prayed, “May the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be pleasing in Your sight.” May this prayer be ours as well. Be alert. Be mindful. 'For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.' (Matthew 12:34) What can we do to control our lips to speak words that give life?