Are you aware of the significance of your words? In this message, Pastor Eric Robertson shares how idle words can hurt others and even bring judgement upon ourselves.

What are Idle Words?

Matthew 12: 36-37

NLT:  "And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.  The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you."

NIV:  "for every empty word" 

ESV:  "for every careless word" 

We speak idle words when we speak without understanding the weight and responsibility of our words.

Speaking idle words is like putting a car in neutral and hammering the gas. You are wasting vital energy but not going anywhere or helping anyone.

Idle words come in many forms but the most common form of idle words is empty criticism.

Your words shape your world. If you sow seeds of empty criticism you will reap the fruit of it.

How Are We Judged?

Matthew 7: 2 

You are judged with the same measure that you judge others. You get to choose your own judgment based on how you treat others. This happens in this life and the next.

This judgment does not pertain to your salvation but to your ministry and what you have done with what you were given.

1 Corinthians 3: 12-15 

How Do We Protect Ourselves from Idle Words?

1.      Check your heart.

Luke 6: 45  "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."

The key to taming the tongue is forming yourself into the image of Jesus. God is not interested in renewing one part of you, He wants to transform all of you.

2.      Check your mind

A word starts with a thought. If you can change the way you think, you can change the way you speak.

If you are constantly thinking about what is wrong, you are misdirecting your ability to make things right. Criticism is a gift that, when used correctly, leads to restoration, but when used incorrectly leads to division and pain.

Philippians 4:8 

3.      Check your mouth.

Not everything you think needs to be said. The key to growth in this area of your life is self-discipline brought forth from a relationship with the Holy Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you tame your tongue.

Ephesians 4:29 

Proverbs: 29: 11 

If what you want to say isn't going to build someone up, or it doesn't fit the occasion, don't say it.

What would your life look like if you exchanged criticism for kindness?

You are creating a world with your words. You are either creating heaven on earth or hell on earth. What do you want your legacy to be? Your words are the building blocks of your legacy no matter how you use them.