For those of you who were 80’s kids, do you remember the old Garbage Pail Kids Collection Cards? You know those cards that mimicked the Cabbage Patch Kids, yet were about as detestable as they come. They took those sweet little Cabbage Patch Kids, which were intended to be cute and made them completely disgusting. When it comes to my speech, I sometimes look more like the Garbage Pail Kids, gross and reproachable.

God created me to reflect Him in all I do, including reflecting Him in my speech. For all those times, when I had could have said something that would have made someone look good, I said something that made them look bad… I resembled something ugly, not God. When I had an opportunity to say something that would encourage someone and I opted to be critical instead…..I never portrayed God. Times when I could have used my lips to speak thankful words….I opened my mouth to complain and grumble….I did the opposite of what God designed my lips to do.

I know I must actively turn away from being a “Garbage Mouth” and turn and model God with every word that comes out of my mouth. Making my words pure and full of grace for those who hear.

“She opens her mouth in wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her lips.” Pro. 31:26

“Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth only that which is necessary for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Eph. 4:29

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Ps. 19:14

So, maybe the next time before I speak I will ask myself:

– Will this be something that others would consider to be kind and helpful to them?

– Would I be embarrassed about the things I said if others overheard?

– Am I modeling speech that I want my children, friends, and others to imitate?

WHAT DO I WANT TO BE KNOWN AS, A “GARBAGE MOUTH” OR A “GODLY MOUTH”?