Wiretapped

Whoever you voted for this past November, you must admit there’s been hardly a dull moment with the new administration.  Recently there have been allegations of wiretapping - a serious intrusion of one’s privacy. Who wants words that are intended to stay private made public for all to hear?

A few years back I had phone conversation with someone and later found out that person had recorded our conversation without my permission.  I felt violated.  I was angry.  Although I was confident I didn’t say anything that could be used against me, the whole idea of the possibility of others hearing a conversation that was intended to be private was maddening.

We usually assume and prefer that our words are to be kept private.

I’m teaching a men’s class on Wednesday evenings at our church and we’re going through a study by Tony Evans called “Watch Your Mouth.”  Last week he referenced Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 12:36–37: “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.  For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”  Jesus puts a lot of weight on what we say.

Evans went on to emphasize that God hears everything that we say.  It’s almost like God has a wiretap on our mouths! That scared me bit.  To know that every word that comes out of my mouth goes to the ears of God. Imagine that every conversation you have, every word you utter, every text you pound out -- all routed right up to heaven.

That snarky remark to the cashier – straight to God.  That inappropriate joke – straight to God.  That insult whispered under your breathe – straight to God. Those screams of profanity – straight to God.

On a brighter note, isn’t it encouraging to know that God hears those kind words said that no one else know about.  That call to the shut-in – straight to God.  That word of encouragement to the struggling student – straight to God.  That heartfelt greeting to a stranger – straight to God. That whisper of praise as you watch the sunset – straight to God.

He hears it all, good and bad.  The words of a Bible class song I sang when I was child prove true – “Be careful little mouth what you say.”

It’s not uncommon that when calling a customer service center there is a disclaimer at the beginning of the call that your conversation may be recorded for training purposes.  Well, think of this.  Every conversation you have may be recorded for judging purposes.

God has a wiretap on your mouth, so speak wisely!