It occurred to me, and it is quite obvious — it does not matter how much we can quote the Bible, or how much we know about it — if it does not change our lives, if it does not change how we treat others, and if it does not change the way we speak, then how can we say we are truly Christian?

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45 NKJV

We can act all “goody-goody” and be active in ministry work, but the truth of our hearts will always be revealed by what comes out of our mouth.

“It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.” Matthew 15:11 NLT

Am I impatient towards my spouse?
Am I condescending towards those who do not believe the same way I do?
Am I pleasant to other people more than others because of the way they look?
That is what’s in my heart.

Many times, I have found myself able to control what I say, so that’s good. But I know what goes on in my mind. Does that make me a hypocrite, able to put up a face contrary to what I feel and think? I am glad to have attained a certain amount of self-control because that is commendable, too.

The answer is in Your word, LORD. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8 NKJV.

Change my mind, LORD, and so change my heart, so that what comes out of my mouth represents You and glorifies You.