FROM INTAKE TO OUTPUT

Proverbs 10:11-21

By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. Matthew 12:37

Pastors, public speakers, and writers must do a lot of listening and reading to keep fresh and current. They must search out information, keep alert for illustrations, and find new and better ways of expressing truth.

I listen to radio talk shows while driving, and I have a book or magazine in hand when I’m watching a ballgame on TV.

What happens with all this input of words and ideas? It is processed by my mind and becomes a part of me. Then when I write or speak, it comes out in my own words.

This process of absorbing words and ideas is not unique to speakers and authors, however. We all take in vast amounts of information every day, and this can be very dangerous. What we do with all this input is vitally important. Living in a world-system with godless values, we are bound to encounter a lot of garbage. Therefore, we must avoid all we can and reject what we can’t avoid. If we find pleasure in what is “true,” “noble,” “just,” “pure,” “lovely,” and “of good report” (Philippians 4:8), these qualities will be reflected in what we say.

Let’s commit ourselves to take in only what is wholesome so that our output will also be wholesome. —hvi

Take my heart, its wellspring deep, Cleanse and purify and keep; Keep my tongue, Lord, bridled well, Words of truth, oh, may it tell. —hgb

Never put out the welcome mat for an evil thought.