“But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these:
anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
Colossians 3:8
How many lipsticks can one woman have???
It’s one of my things. I’m not a perfume girl or lured in by the newest lotion, but I admit it…I LOVE lipstick. Every coffee cup that I sip from bears the lipstick marks! I’ve never been able to resist them in the drugstore and now that the modern grocery store is essentially a drug store too, I’m tempted at every corner.
Listen, let me just be honest. I have a lot of lipsticks. I have them in my drawer, I have them in my car, I have gloss, I have matte, I have shimmer, I have scented; I have long wearing and I have shades for each season. I love me some lipstick. It was while making room for a few new shades when a detail became a Word.
It’s no coincidence that a walk through Proverbs reveals so much wisdom on “lips” and the power they contain. Long before the modern day lipstick tube, the Lord had something to say about lips and the words that roll off of them.
“Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right.”
Proverbs 8:6“My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.”
Proverbs 8:7“The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.”
Proverbs 12:22
The pages of Proverbs hold reminder after reminder. The Lord KNEW that we women would struggle in this arena that He spoke of lips and words often. It’s apparently been something we’ve struggled with since the beginning of time. Our words. What we say and how we say it has likely landed more than one sister straight to into the pit of sin. Our mouths get us in trouble. Words wound and many of us have refused to yield. My lips wield power and what rolls off of them, can either be life giving or crucifying. There is incredible power in words. The importance of what comes off of our lips and out of our mouths can not be underestimated.
Do edifying words of praise and thanksgiving spill forth? Or are there days when the words simply do nothing for the Kingdom? The words that I speak and the tone that I use should be a reflection of Christ at all times, while constantly ridding myself of “anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language.” How often do we righteously think that we are above filthy language, forgetting that gossip, unkindness and harsh judgement are filthy to God?
I don’t know about any of you out there reading, but I need to do a “lip check” several times a day and there are days that super glue should be my lipstick of choice.
Who knew that ”Majestic Mauve,” “Comforting Cocoa” and “Virtual Violet” could serve a higher purpose! IF I take the opportunity to pray that my words be full of grace, mercy, kindness and love each time I apply those luscious shades, then I have seized a daily detail and turned it into a powerful prayer tool.
God meets us where we are.
Thank God.
I love Him for that.
“The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.”
Proverbs 15:7” An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.”
Proverbs 24:26
Each day as I choose a shade, or re-apply throughout the day, I need to see it as an opportunity to ask God to guide and order my words. The power this reminder carries is tremendous! If the words that roll off of my lips exhort, encourage and edify then I am walking in the ways of Jesus. My words have the power to wisely proclaim The Good News, my words can disciple and that’s what we are called to do.
It was right there in front of me all along. An opportunity to see God in one of the daily details in my life. I continually strive to see God and reminders of HIS message in the details of my life and today, I just happen to be applying my detail, literally…
Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.Psalm 63 : 3-5
Which shade you choose today is irrelevant. Be it balm, gloss or straight up lipstick, whatever you choose I pray the application reminds you of the power those lips of ours possess.
While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.
St. Francis of Assisi
Do you use your words to exhort, edify and encourage everyone you meet?
Challenge yourself that the next time you pass a mirror to “check your lipstick” remind yourself in a silent prayer to guide your words and tone.
Oh yes, this has my name imprinted in lipstick all over it. Now, I’m a boring lipstick person. I use one shade and one shade only. BORING!!! However, you may have just inspired me to launch out and try a new shade or two. With regard to my tongue and lips. I need to zip it way more often than I do. I love the plaque my friend gave me: Lord, keep your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth!!!!!
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I NEVER wear lipstick, but the talking thing? Ooooh boy. Need to keep those lips zipped MUCH more than I do. Needed this, dear Lori.
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Great post.
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I’m with Joanne – not a fan of lip color, but often in need of lip cover! And I’ve prayed Ps 141:3 more times than I care to admit:
Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips…
Thanks, Lori!
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