“Did she hear that?”
The person answering shrugged it off. “O, don’t worry about it. She hears me all the time.”
Yes, I did hear the words. Truth was I had heard more foul language in the short time I had worked there then I had in my entire life. As I sat quietly in my cubicle, the one asking came to me to apologize for her language. I thanked her and assured her she had nothing to worry about with me. In truth, she did not. I am not the One who keeps the books.
Actually, I heard all the conversations. Even the less appropriate words they had hoped I would not hear. As I sat day in and day out hearing but attempting to block it out, I prayed quietly. Not because I was offended. But because I wanted God’s love to shine through my response. I had taken the position without letting everyone know I was a pastor or Christian for this very reason. I didn't want people to think they needed to act different around me. Truth is, it doesn’t matter if I do or do not hear the language used or topic discussed.
God hears. And He records each word.
God is the Great Historian of all time. Since a child, I have loved reading. In fact, growing up I often dreamed of having a library in my home similar to the one in my dad’s office. But no library on Earth will compare to the one God is keeping. Its books contain EVERY SPOKEN WORD from the beginning of time.
"But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken." Matthew 12:36
The day is coming when these books will be opened. Each person will have a book belonging just to them. On that day, I will not be the one opening the books. Instead, I will be waiting my turn for the book written about my life to be opened. At that time, even the very words known only to my own heart will be revealed. Truth is, I may have never uttered a curse word in my life, but my heart has often whispered, or even yelled, unkind words out of anger, hurt, betrayal, etc. Words that, though not foul in definition, also not holy in His sight.
So why do we do it? Why do we humans put people, pastors, priests, leaders, or other Christians, higher than God in our eyes? None of us would see it as lifting others above God. Yet when we apologize to those around us for our words or actions without even the thought that God is also very present in the moment, that is what we are doing. He is the One who the apology should be directed to. Although we do not see Him in the physical, He is present with us at all times. He hears it all.
My desire to watch my actions and words are not focused just on having a good judgement day. More than that, I desire a good ‘every day’ with the One I love. When my family is home, you will find me cooking a breakfast braid at least one morning, cinnamon braid another, possibly a seafood lasagna for supper one night, and sweet tea will always be available in the fridge. Cookies, brownies, cheesecake, or other desserts will also be made. Why? Because I know what will make my family happy. My love for them makes me want to please them.
And so it is with Christ. My love for Him makes me want to please HIM – not bring hurt or disappointment to Him by my words or actions. I want my history book to record me being a reflection of His love to those around me. I desire that my words will please the One who gave me the right to enter into Heaven. The One who gave me a voice to speak. I want to make Him proud of me and use my voice for Him.
What about you? What words will be found in your book? If they are not pleasing to Him who keeps record, it is not too late. You can ask Him to forgive you. He has a giant eraser for those who ask.
"Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name." Malachi 3:16,