Spoken Identity The accent, tone, and content of speech can identify many things about a person. The part of the country or world that has been home affects how sounds are formed, the tone identifies gender and age, while the content reveals education and entertainment exposure. Someone may attempt to portray other origins, age, and intellect, but, with time, who they really are will be revealed in their speech. This is also true for the aspect of communication that is portrayed in actions taken. Sometimes body language may reveal way more than the words spoken. For those who identify with Christ, there will be a definite validation in the nature of the words and actions they produce. To be in Him is to have transformation, specifically in words spoken and chosen actions. Just a few words will either verify the claim or undermine it altogether. How long His words have been abiding inside is evident in the words that either reflect His presence or any other occupant of our affection. Where there are words and actions of the old unloving nature, there is an opportunity to abide in Him and allow His words to abide until the abundance of the heart clearly identifies as a child of God. Notes Words Identify Heritage – locality, family Gender – part of calling Age – sound, intellect, temperance Life depends on speech identity. Judges 12:5-6 (NLT) 5 Jephthah captured the shallow crossings of the Jordan River, and whenever a fugitive from Ephraim tried to go back across, the men of Gilead would challenge him. “Are you a member of the tribe of Ephraim?” they would ask. If the man said, “No, I’m not,” 6 they would tell him to say “Shibboleth.” If he was from Ephraim, he would say “Sibboleth,” because people from Ephraim cannot pronounce the word correctly. Then they would take him and kill him at the shallow crossings of the Jordan. In all, 42,000 Ephraimites were killed at that time. Fruit identifies our source. Matthew 7:21 (NKJV) 21 "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Family heritage There is no connection through extension. Acts 19:15 (NKJV) 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Can only sound like father. John 8:37-44 (TLB) 37 (Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham!) And yet some of you are trying to kill me because my message does not find a home within your hearts. 38 I am telling you what I saw when I was with my Father. But you are following the advice of your father.” 39 “Our father is Abraham,” they declared. “No!” Jesus replied, “for if he were, you would follow his good example. 40 But instead you are trying to kill me—and all because I told you the truth I heard from God. Abraham wouldn’t do a thing like that! 41 No, you are obeying your real father when you act that way.” They replied, “We were not born out of wedlock—our true Father is God himself.” 42 Jesus told them, “If that were so, then you would love me, for I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me. 43 Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It is because you are prevented from doing so! 44 For you are the children of your father the devil and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning and a hater of truth—there is not an iota of truth in him. When he lies, it is perfectly normal; for he is the father of liars. Calling There is no partial compliance, as every word either validates or negates our purpose. Matthew 12:36-37 (NLT) 36 And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. 37 The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” Can only produce what has been stored. Luke 6:45 (TPT) 45 People are known in this same way. Out of the virtue stored in their hearts, good and upright people will produce good fruit. But out of the evil hidden in their hearts, evil ones will produce what is evil. For the overflow of what has been stored in your heart will be seen by your fruit and will be heard in your words. Maturity Words show maturity 1 Corinthians 13:11 (NKJV) 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. Abiding is the opportunity with promise of affected words. John 15:7 (NKJV) 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. Abiding removes all other identity yielding only faith words. Mark 11:23 (NKJV) 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Overview: Words and actions reveal identity Accent, tone, and speech content reveal heritage, gender, and maturity. Actions and body language often speak louder than words. In Christ, transformation shows up in both words and deeds. Words identify Heritage – where we come from (Judges 12:5–6). Fruit – reveals true source (Matthew 7:21). Family – cannot rely on borrowed connection (Acts 19:15). Father – speech matches the one we follow (John 8:37–44). Calling is confirmed by speech Every word validates or undermines purpose (Matthew 12:36–37). Our mouth produces only what the heart stores (Luke 6:45). Maturity is shown by speech Words reveal spiritual growth (1 Corinthians 13:11). Abiding in Christ transforms speech (John 15:7). Faith-filled words bring authority and results (Mark 11:23). Key truth: Life depends on the identity revealed in words and actions. Prayer Father in Heaven, Thank You for the gift of identity in Christ. Today I surrender my words, my actions, and even my thoughts to You. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight. Where careless or unloving speech has come out of me, forgive me and cleanse my heart. Lord Jesus, help me to abide in You daily so that my speech reflects Your Word and my actions reveal Your love. Let my life testify clearly that I belong to You. Fill me with wisdom to speak truth, courage to live faithfully, and grace to show Christ in everything I do. Holy Spirit, guard my tongue, guide my steps, and grow me into maturity. May my words build life, my actions bear fruit, and my identity be unmistakably found in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Declarations: My words and actions reveal my identity in Christ. My heart is filled with the Word of God, and my speech overflows with life and truth. I will not speak idle or careless words, but words that build, bless, and glorify God. My fruit identifies me as a true child of God. I am maturing in Christ; childish ways are behind me, and faith-filled words guide me forward. When I speak in faith, mountains must move, and God’s promises are fulfilled. My heritage, my calling, and my maturity are all anchored in Jesus Christ alone by my words.