"Idle Words" by Sister Adamson

The last time I read The New Testament was in the mission field.  As I studied I focused on the words of Jesus Christ.  One scripture I came to love and better understand was Matthew 12:36, 37.  The Savior spoke these words; “…every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”

When looking up the word idle in the dictionary I realized the various meanings did not all apply to the thought that Christ was conveying.  Idle, when used in the context of language means; of no real worth, importance, or significance.  But Christ shows an eternal dichotomy when speaking about idle words.  What he communicates is that the words we believe to be idle are not idle at all.  Our words have eternal importance and significance if it is through our words we are justified or condemned at our final judgment. 

I thought further.  Why use idle as opposed to purposeful words?  Wouldn’t we be judged more by words we carefully thought out and prepared to share with others?  Is there a difference between the words someone would choose to use for a Sacrament Meeting talk and the words they would use in a private conversation with a friend?  I’ve come to the conclusion that the words we use in everyday conversations, in those unguarded moments when we feel completely safe to air our personal opinions, are the words that most accurately communicate our hearts and thoughts. 

Just as Christ warned us, our words have power to do good or conversely to do evil, to save us or damn us. Brigham Young said, “The difference between God and the Devil is that God creates and organizes, while the whole study of the Devil is to destroy.”  It would stand to reason that whatever builds people up serves the cause of the Master, and whatever tears down serves the cause of the adversary.  In the private moments we speak of others, or even publicly when there is no fear of recrimination, what do we say?  When we speak of others, do we speak positively or negatively?  Do we tear down or do we build up?

When we became acquainted with the incredible Gaylord Branch members one of the first peculiarities I noticed was their guarded tongues.  In all the meetings I attended I never heard any derision, disparagement, or gossip of any kind.  It was frustrating at the time because I thought vital information was being withheld that would have made our service more effective.  Since then, I realize how necessary guarding our words is for the Lord’s work to flourish.

   

The Lord is hastening the work of salvation everywhere, not just in Gaylord:  Not just overseas in Africa, other missions, or in other wards. The Lord is hastening the work of salvation in the Nampa 4^th Ward.  Can we be trusted by our Savior to participate?  Can our idle words communicate purpose and convey pure hearts that are free of any unkind judgment of others?   Can we build through our conversations and not destroy?   And most importantly, can we develop the Christ-like attributes that would help those visiting our ward and attending our classrooms feel the spirit of acceptance, tolerance, and love?  As the end draws near the Savior invites all to partake in the blessings of Salvation.  He invites everyone to come unto him, hear His message of hope, use the atonement and make life changes. He invites all to be baptized, and start anew; regardless of what sins have been committed, what errors have been made, or sufferings endured. Should we do any different? I pray we can adopt a spirit of inclusion and love for all.  I know we can!