The Mouth Problem

2019

The Lord often uses objects to get my attention if I will take notice and listen. For months, everywhere I went, I would find floss sticks. Every single time I went for my daily jog, I would see floss sticks laying on the side of the road. I found these tiny teeth sticks in the oddest of places which made me ask God what He wanted to tell me. 

He said that He wanted me to clean the yuck out of my mouth. I had faith in God, but yet He wanted me to grow deeper and remove any hidden, leftover plaque that I had in my mouth and life so cavities couldn’t grow with time. 

He showed me how words are dangerous and have the ability to make your mouth grow nasty stuff and cause major damage.

Cavities left unattended can cause serious health complications and pain. How does a cavity start? By not brushing and flossing. The Lord showed me that He wanted to remove words from my teeth that were causing decay to my soul. To make me a sparkling, clean bride. 

I do not say “ugly” words and I felt I was very careful about what I say, but obviously He wanted to remove something out of my vocabulary. So, I got brave and finally asked, “What would You like me to remove from my mouth?” He immediately replied, “The word ‘crap.’” I was stunned! Most don’t see that word as a super bad word and I didn’t think I said it often, but I repented and agreed to remove it from my teeth. I asked Him to floss and clear away anything He no longer wanted in my mouth. 

Come to find out, I said that word way more than I realized. No, it may not be on our top ten list of bad words, but it now was on mine because I was told never to say it again. I now knew that if I said that word, I had to repent and not allow it to cause a cavity in my heart. 

I set out on a journey of trying to rewire my brain not to say the word “crap.” As with any habit, it was not easy. But, I don't want any yucky stuff in my teeth that could make my heart sick. What I found is that it was really a silly thing to say anyway and was such an unneeded filler word. It was worthless talk. I found I used that word when I felt weak or at loss for words. 

As I turned to the Lord for strength to break this word habit, He helped me along the way. He showed me other words and phrases that I no longer needed to use. I searched and flossed and continue to everyday. I sure do love that clean teeth feeling in my mouth and heart. The problem with my mouth wasn’t my mouth at all, it was a problem with my heart. Weak people have to use strong words. Guard your mouth; guard your heart. 

“But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity’” 

(2 Timothy 2:19 ESV)

A Christian should NOT be doing (and saying) things that are wrong. 

I want to be salt and light to a dark world! The slogan our current president uses could be used in this context as well. Let's make America great again by starting with ourselves and watching our words. Words have the power to bless or curse. Change starts in the heart. 

The reason words will move a mountains is because mountains are made by words. Choose your words wisely! There is power in your words to speak life or death. 

“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them” 

(Mark 11:23 NIV)

Yucky words tear down faith just like dirty teeth tears down the enamel causing cavities. I heard a dentist say once that if you floss everyday, you will not have cavities. It is the same with our words, flossing out the negative, useless talk builds faith that makes you strong enough to face anything. 

I sure want to be stronger and grow closer to Jesus! I want to look at impossible situations and have strong faith to move that mountain in my way. 

As we grow stronger in faith, we understand that we no longer have to ask, “Can God really fix this?” Yes, He can and He will for anyone who puts their faith in Him. No situation is too big that our God isn't bigger! Faith can turn your mountain into a molehill if you just believe and speak out. 

As you clean your mouth and purify your heart, your words become like sharp swords to fight against the enemy. Use your words and speak to your mountain and tell it to move in the name of Jesus! Stand firm in your faith and hold onto God's promises. Your victory is on its way! 

Nothing is impossible with God! Clean those teeth, sharpen those word-swords, and watch God move!

This is one of numerous photos taken of floss sticks I found.