Out of the Overflow of the Heart

You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God… Exodus 20:7

“…For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37

Prop: 2 containers of milk, one spoiled and one good

Call forward a volunteer to enjoy a glass of milk.  (Be sure you check for allergies first.)  Offer her the good milk and after she drinks it ask her if she enjoyed it, if it tasted good, etc. 

Call forward another volunteer who would like to sample a glass of milk.  (Again, check for allergies.  Choose an older child who is not especially sensitive—emotionally or physically).  Offer him the spoiled container of milk, but allow him to smell it before he drinks it.  Do not let him actually drink it!  Ask him to describe the smell, to tell if he would drink it, etc.   

(Display good milk).  This container is filled with fresh, cold, sweet milk.  So when I poured it out into the glass, fresh milk came out.  Why?  Because what’s inside will come out. 

(Display soured milk).  This container is filled with sour milk.  Do you think when I pour it out, it will suddenly change into fresh milk?  No way!  Sour milk will come out.  Why?  Because what’s inside will come out.

The same is true for all of you.  What’s inside of you will come out in the words you speak.  If you love God, you will speak His name only with respect.  If you don’t love God, it won’t bother you to speak His name disrespectfully.

If in your heart you truly love God, you will not continue to speak His name lightly or as a curse.  You simply can’t because if love for God fills your heart, love for God will come out of your mouth. 

If your heart is filled with disrespect for God, then disrespect will come out of your mouth when you talk. 

What is your heart filled with?  If love for God fills your heart, your words will show it.