‘Fit Check, Word Check, Heart Check
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. (Ps. 19:14 KJV)
My daughter recently asked me if I knew what a “‘fit check” was. Clueless, I said I imagined it was something along the lines of a fitness challenge where you needed to check in with others. She then informed me it is an “outfit check.” So basically, posting a picture on social media or sending a friend a picture of your cute, curated outfit with the words “‘fit check.” I’m guessing this has replaced the OOTD (Outfit of the Day).
It got me thinking about how people put so much effort into the clothes they put on, ensuring everything matches perfectly, they are appropriately accessorized, and their hair and makeup are top-notch. They put the best versions of their outer selves forward for their “fit check.”’
I’m not going to lie; my engagement in social media has decreased because of the all-out meanness and rudeness people display online. I hardly comment on anything other than to say “Happy Birthday” or “Congratulations,” because I don’t want someone to misunderstand or misinterpret the words I write. Our words hold power both for good and evil, and it feels like evil is winning on social media. Even when you don’t intend harm with your words, it seems inevitable that someone will take them the wrong way.
I grew up in a Lutheran church, and while I no longer attend that denomination, some things are ingrained in my mind from my time there. One such thing is what the pastor would say every week before he gave his sermon. It was taken from Psalm 19:14, with a few pronoun changes:
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of each and every one of our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our strength, our rock, and our redeemer.”
I think this is something we all need to be praying daily.
Our Words
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of how people speak and write these days is carelessness. We don’t care what we say, how we say it, or what effect our words will have. I know I have been convicted about words I’ve said, posted, and texted. I’m sure I’m not alone.
Our Hearts
However, I have also been convicted about being too quick to judge someone else’s words. My heart is sometimes not in the right place, and I’ve become easily offended and put off, not taking time to fully understand what someone else was saying.
There is wisdom in praying that the words we put out there are acceptable to God. There is also wisdom in praying that our hearts are in the right place and pleasing to God.
I am currently in the throes of raising four kids, my oldest two being teen girls. They have learned how words are powerful and can hurt through thingsthat have been said (texted) to them. Regularly, they come to me asking me how to respond or what to say to certain texts. And while it may seem ridiculous that my teenage girls are seeking my input abut text messaging, again, I say there is wisdom. In a world where words are used carelessly, they strive to use their words with meaning and intention, clearly articulating what they want to say.
There are many verses in the Bible about the power of our words. So let’s seek the Lord and make sure we do a “word check” before we speak or write. Additionally, we ought to perform a “heart check” to make sure our hearts are in the right place. Let’s do our part in helping goodness win online, and if you want to look cute while doing it, by all means, do a “‘fit check” too.
Dear heavenly Father, you are the giver of life. By your Word, you spoke the universe into creation. From the beginning, you displayed how powerful words can be. Lord, we come before you now and ask that you help us to use our words in life-giving ways. That we would seek to use them to build others up, not tear them down. Lord, in the same way, help us to align our hearts with you, so we are in a right place when we receive words from others. Thank you for the wisdom you have given us in your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture for Reflection
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” (James 3:5 NIV)
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Prov. 18:21 NIV)
“With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.” (Prov. 11:9 NIV)
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Eph. 4:29 NIV)
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Col. 4:6 NIV)
“You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Matt. 12:34 NIV)
Reach for More
While it’s always fun to curate cute outfits, before doing a “’fit check,” perform a “word check” and a “heart check.” As we all know, it’s what’s on the inside that matters.
is living the full life with her husband, Jeff, four kids, and a dog in Metro Detroit. Heather enjoys reading, writing, coffee-ing, and serving in youth ministry. She was born a Jersey girl and feels most at home on a beach. She is the host of the monthly link-up, Share Four Somethings. You can join Heather on the journey to living the full life at www.heathergerwing.com.
Photograph © Nguyễn Hiệp, used with permission
