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Your Spiritual Miranda Rights
Matthew 12:37
"For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."
Anyone who has watched a television show that involved someone being arrested has heard what is called the Miranda rights. When the police arrest someone because they are suspected of a crime, by law the police officer is to read the suspect their Miranda rights which say, "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have a right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you." These rights warn the suspect that every word they say will be used against them to try and convict them of the crime they are suspected of committing. The power of the suspects words will either condemn them or set them free.
Before the Miranda rights ever existed, God established the fact that a person's words will be held against them. No, you may not be suspected of a crime, but every word you say will be held against you at some time in your life. Often you will hear something brought that a politician has said in the past. Their words condemn or validate their stance on a certain issue. Likewise, it is very important that you watch every word that you speak, for it is likely that one day your words will be used against you.
Every parent needs to be careful what they say. Parents, your children listen to what you say, and if you change your children will throw it in your face. Don't promise your children something that you are not sure that you can fulfill. Only make a promise to your children that you can absolutely fulfill. A parent's word to their child will either justify or condemn their character in the eyes of their child.
Every spouse needs to be careful what they say. Often a spouse will make a promise that they cannot fulfill. When you promise your spouse something, then do everything in your power to fulfill that promise. You can greatly damage your marriage by not keeping your word. Don't break your word, especially when it comes to your marriage vows. When you break the most sacred words that established your marriage, you could ruin the trust your spouse has in you and ultimately destroy your marriage.
Christian, be a person of your word. Follow through with what you say. Preachers need to be careful to follow through with their words. Sunday school teachers need to be careful to do what they say they will do. Spiritual leaders need to be sure that their words do not condemn them. Your character is at stake, and your words will either justify or condemn your stance on the Scriptures.
Simply put, realize that everything you say may be held against you. Because of this, be slow to speak. Don't be rash with your statements, but let everything you say be deliberate and thought out. Before you say you are going to do something, be sure you count the cost of your words. Guard your words all the time just like you would guard your words if you were under arrest. Don't let your words condemn you, but rather let them justify your life because you follow through on everything you say.