Open Mike?

Perhaps you have been someplace that held an "Open Mike" session. Presented on such occasions is the opportunity for anyone who wishes to step up to the microphone and speak, recite something, tell a joke, or sing a song; a time of revelation as to whether one has talent or a lack thereof. Perhaps with each one who steps up to the mike there is wonder as to what will come out when the MOUTH OPENS up.

In Matthew's account of what we have come to know as Jesus' "sermon on the mount", after noting Jesus sitting down with His disciples coming to Him we read. . .

"And HE OPENED HIS MOUTH AND TAUGHT THEM, saying:" ( Matthew 5:2 ESV)

Anyone can open their mouth, but what is THE IMPACT that comes from what is spoken? What comes from every open mouth is not of equal value! What is recorded in this and the next two chapters ( Matthew 5-7) is powerful stuff. From the Beattitudes to the impacting qualities of our life on others, focusing away from what others had taught to what Jesus emphatically declared as the way we ought to be with others, and with regard to our connection with the Heavenly Father and how life is lived in His presence, etc.; all very timely and practical teaching. Imagine if everyone was willing to live all of the principles shared by Jesus in just these three chapters, what a DYNAMIC IMPACT it would have in this world! What Jesus addressed is just as practical today as it was when HE OPENED HIS MOUTH and spoke those words.

After Jesus declared these truths for daily living we read. . .
"(28) And when Jesus finished these sayings, THE CROWDS WERE ASTONISHED AT HIS TEACHING, (29) for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes." ( Matthew 7:28-29 ESV)

The people were properly impressed! Are we? Some may open their mouth and sound authoritative, but there was really something different in the way Jesus came across and the level of wisdom from which He spoke. His authority ought to be acknowledged (note Philippians 2:9-11) and the day will come when all will come face to face with it. May we allow the authoritative, glorious, life changing, and practical teaching of Jesus to POWERFULLY IMPACT the manner in which we live our daily lives. Then, when we open our mouths, may the IMPACT our Lord has had on our life be indicated in our speech as well. We may be surprised how THAT IMPACT carries over to those whose lives we touch.

Have a great day LOVINGLY LIVING OUR LORD'S LIFE LESSONS!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Discipleship