Freedom of Speech

 

Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:12-14 ESV).

 

The First Amendment of our Constitution reads: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. The five freedoms it protects are speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government. Of course there have been many challenges to alter or prohibit these basic freedoms. Those challenges are guaranteed by the amendment itself. However, the real question is not whether we are free to speak, it is whether we should. For the answer to that pivotal question we must turn to a higher authority than our constitution. We must look to the Scripture.

Our reading today is just one of many enjoinders to tame our tongue. We are encouraged to let the words of our mouths be acceptable in God’s eyes. With the ease of finding a platform for our free speech greater than ever before in our history, this principle becomes even more important to understand and practice.

 

I wish it were true that I have never let my speech slip away from my better judgment; however, like most of us I have had those moments of foot-in-mouth disease. There have been times when, in spite of my best of intentions, I haven't said the right thing. I try, but it just doesn't come out right. All too often my tongue has caused offense, brought about pain, and been cutting.

If so, I invite you to join me in taking this Lenten Season to reevaluate what we say as well as how we say it. Speaking the truth should be done with equal parts of truth-telling and grace-giving. We who have been touched by the Lord's love, who have heard Jesus' words of forgiveness spoken from the cross, need to do our best to use our tongues to thank the Lord and bestow blessings upon our brothers and sisters in Jesus. So the next time you are about to press “post” or “send” on that scathing meme or diatribe of ideals, join me in engaging your heart and mind first. Let’s remind ourselves we are all sinners in need of a Savior. Last time I checked, I have no nail prints on my hands. Do you?