Reading through the story of Jesus’ illegal trial and subsequent crucifixion is a difficult read. What’s more difficult is to focus on anything but that, because it is the central most point of the entire Bible—of history itself! Recently, though, as I was reading through Matthew, I came across a section of scripture I’ve read a hundred times as I’m sure you have – the story of Peter’s denial. Only this time, I felt I related a bit too much.

We all know the story: Jesus predicts Peter’s denial, but Peter even denies that! As Peter follows Jesus through the night to the chief priest, Peter is asked on three separate occasions if he knows Jesus, and he says no. Then the rooster crows, and Jesus looks at Peter with what was probably the saddest look of all time, and then Peter wept.

But right in the midst of that story is an interesting (to me) tidbit. Read Matthew 26:73:

 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.”

My question to myself was, and to you is, does yours? Does your speech betray you, as Peter’s did? The people around knew that Peter was a follower of Christ because he was different, even in the way he spoke. And, to mask his association with Christ, he started cursing and yelling and making a scene to fit in with the world.

Sometimes, that’s us isn’t it? We are followers of Christ, but when the world prods us, we try to seem like one of them. We don’t want to be mocked or persecuted or unfriended. We want to be accepted and loved by everyone, and so we make exceptions to certain phrases, entertainment, clothes.

Those around Peter said that his speech betrayed him…it gave away that he followed Christ. As disciples ourselves, our speech must do the same thing. Here are some examples of how is should be different:

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one (Col. 4:6).

But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds (Col. 3:8-9).

Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you (Titus 2:6-8).

As Jesus’ people, we can show our association with Him by being polite to those who might annoy us or by answering softly when someone harshly criticizes us. We can freely compliment and never complain. We can be kindly affectionate to our spouses and children, and can be friendly to those who aren’t. We can always attribute praise to God when people may pat us on the back! In every way, with every word, we can show we are associated with Christ. And, sadly, with one word, we can show we aren’t.

What do your words really say? I know mine don’t always give me away as a follower of Christ, and I do hope to amend that!  Hopefully we all can, and give Jesus’ followers a good rapport in our communities.