Every Word Counts (Matthew 12:36-37)

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
Matthew 12:36-37

For students and writers alike, word counts take on great significance. Assignments are given that may require a 500 word essay or 1000 word article by a certain deadline. Many word processing programs allow the user to determine how many words that have been written. Thus, the once painstaking task of counting words is made simpler since, in an instant, the word count is displayed and the author can make immediate adjustments to arrive at the proper word count. Sometimes this is frustrating since I now have to find a way to delete unnecessary words or add additional words. Every word counts!

God also keeps track of our word count, not with a computer, but with His divine knowledge. Someday, I will stand before my Lord, Jesus Christ, who will judge me by every single word we have ever spoken. I do not look forward to that review. Every idle word, every coarse jesting, every off-color remark I have ever made will be replayed before my Lord. Although my Lord has forgiven me of these trespasses, we will still give an accounting to Him.

The most important words I can ever speak are, “Jesus Christ, I know I am a sinner. I accept you as my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me of my sins and bring me into a right relationship with You.” All words I have ever spoken will be judged by Jesus. But these are the words that truly count that will preserve us for eternity!

Love and respect the Lord; seek His will in your life.