Think Before You Speak

When you study how Apostle Paul described the babe in Christ’s order of communication in 1 Corinthians 13:11, you’ll see that he “spoke,” ahead of understanding and thinking. The spiritually mature would rather think, before speaking. As long as a believer remains at the babyhood level of communication, where his words are at variance with the realities of the new creation, he’ll live a servant’s life rather than a king’s (Galatians 4:1). King Solomon mentions this in Ecclesiastes 10:6-7; he calls it an error that proceeds from the ruler: “Folly is set in great dignity, while the rich sit in a lowly place. I have seen servants on horses, while princes walk on the ground like servants.” How true!

As one who’s born again, you’re Abraham’s seed; therefore, all of God’s blessings belong to you (Galatians 3:29). However, your words must of a necessity align with the Word of God. The Word of God is the wisdom and language of the spiritually mature (1 Corinthians 2:6). For example, when a Christian says “Oh Lord, heal me; I just caught the flu and I’m so sick”; you can immediately locate him as a babe in the things of the Spirit. The spiritually mature would rather speak the wisdom of God, rather than talk sickness. He’d speak health and life: “The same Spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in me, therefore, I cannot be sick. I’m vitalised by the power of God—spirit, soul and body!” Can you see the difference?

The babe in Christ seeks to be healed; but the spiritually mature knows he cannot be sick, because he is the righteousness of God in Christ, and therefore speaks accordingly. Spiritual maturity is measured by your words; therefore it’s important that you grow in the Word of God onto maturity, and learn to communicate rightly.