Much of the practice of simplicity revolves around service.
Who are you serving with your words?
Remember, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24). The words from our mouths and the thoughts in our minds get much more complicated when we're trying to serve two masters.
Consider all the times you’ve spoken out of pride, anger, or haughtiness. Consider the times you’ve given your highly critical opinion when you honestly didn’t know much about the topic of conversation. Consider the ways you use your words as a defense or a guard. Consider the ways you’ve spoken about your beliefs with lukewarm conviction, rather than with boldness and authority.
Who were you serving with your words?
When we are trying to serve both God and money, or God and our political idols, or God and our selfish pride, then our words can be very confusing. We waver between the comprehensive truth of the gospel and the other opinions and commitments we hold dear. We try to hold the opinions that “define” us and use the right words to appear righteous.
But, really, all these double-minded words are a symptom of our greater rebellion to the King of all creation.
How can we serve You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit with our words?
Like Mary, we can recognize our humble condition as servants of the Most High God living in the world He created and has sent His Son to restore. Our words can either serve Him and his purposes, or they can serve the idols we praise instead.
Holding to the truth of the gospel does not mean our words won’t be complex, thoughtful, or discerning. Applying the reality of Jesus' work on the cross to all aspects of our life is not easy, nor will we get it right every time. But it does mean that the words and beliefs we choose have a specific direction toward the heart of God. This allows us a certain level of simplicity in deciding what we choose to say and what we choose to withhold.
If the Spirit is convicting you of using your words to serve another “master,” take time now to ask for forgiveness and for help. God is merciful and quick to forgive. Then, share a time when you made the choice to serve God with your words.
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