Taming the Tongue Checklist and Wrap-UP

Here is the checklist and scripture reference for further study...God Bless, Sister Lisa

Sanctification Requires Work!

So for the past 30 days we have listened to the Holy Spirit as He taught us how to examine our unruly tongue. So now what do we do? The Lord says:

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 2 Tim 2:15-16

Part of studying is meditating on the Word and listening for the Holy Spirit to convict us and teach us where we didn’t meet the mark. The following checklist is meant as a guide to use each night during your evening meditation-leave it on your nightstand and spend five minutes with God reflecting on your words of the day. If you have time, you can write in your journal three phrases or words that you shared today that lined-up with God’s Word.

For example, today I encouraged my friend, Cheryl. She was feeling down and I told her that God loves her and that I love her. Rather than “telling’ my son to clean-up his room, I said, “I would appreciate it if you would pick up your clothes. It would be a big help to me.” When my husband held the door, I remembered to say “Thank you”.

Just that easy! Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t do it everyday or if you can’t think of three things each day. With practice it becomes easier and you become very mindful of your words throughout the day.

Daily Tongue Evaluation Checklist

Did I engage in any form of lying?
Did I flatter someone?
Did I manipulate someone for my gain or advantage?
Did I speak too hastily?
¨ Did my words cause division?
¨ Was I argumentative or contentious?
¨ Did I boast or speak with pride?
¨ Did I engage in a self put-down?
¨ Did I slander someone?
¨ Did I gossip?
¨ Did I meddle in anybody’s affairs?
¨ Did I betray someone’s trust?
¨ Did I belittle someone?
¨ Was I cynical, scornful or sarcastic?
¨ Did I speak as a Know-It-All?
¨ Did I use harsh or abusive words?
¨ \Did I fail to speak with tact or discipline.
¨ Did I attempt to intimidate with my words?
¨ Was I rude?
¨ Was I critical or judgmental?
¨ Was I self-absorbed in my conversations?
¨ Did I use profanity?
¨ Did I complain?
¨ Did I retaliate?
¨ Did I accuse someone?
¨ Was I discouraging?
¨ Did I express doubt and unbelief?
¨ Did I simply talk too much?
¨ Was I indiscreet in my discussions?
¨ Did I keep silent when I should have communicated?

When you can consistently mark “no” to each of these questions, you are on your way to keeping control of that unruly member, the tongue.

What Can I Do With My Words?

þ Pray
þ Share your faith
þ Express gratitude
þ Tell the truth
þ Admit a mistake
þ Apologize
þ Confess your faults or weaknesses
þ Applaud someone’s achie3vement
þ Ask for help
þ Offer to assist
þ Comfort someone who is hurting
þ Communicate your expectations
þ Give a sincere compliment
þ Confront an interpersonal conflict
þ Pledge your support
þ Defend someone against negative criticism
þ Discourage gossip
þ Express appreciation
þ Offer constructive feedback
þ Share your knowledge
þ Keep a secret
þ Protest evil
þ Put forth a new idea
þ Recite Scripture
þ Reconcile parties in conflict
þ Relate a meaningful story
þ Tell a clean joke
þ Express hope or optimism
þ Encourage someone to persevere
þ Express concern for another
þ Say “Please”
þ Sing a song
þ Speak of God’s goodness

When we started the study, I suggested that memorizing scripture was another way to “shore-up” your heart and tongue with words of life. Here are some scripture references regarding your tongue and speech.

I’ll give you the references, you look them up!

Psalm 34:1
Colossians 4:6
Psalm 49:3
Philippians 2:14
Proverbs 8:6-7
Psalm 139:4
Psalm 71:8
Proverbs 10:11
Isaiah 50:4
Psalm 39:1
Proverbs 25:11
Job 22:28
Psalm 35:28