Disciplines of a Godly Man

by R. Kent Hughes

Offered to God on the altar, the tongue has awesome power for good. It can proclaim the life-changing message of salvation : “And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” (Romans 10:14, 15). It has power for sanctification as we share God’s Word: “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). It has power for healing: “For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn — conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever” (2 Corinthians 7:5-7). It has power for worship: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that confess his name” (Hebrews 13:15).