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Impartation and Increase - part 2 of 3 (Amplified Bible) During the night I awakened to a sweet fragrance which I knew to be a manifestation of the presence of the Lord. How refreshing! But only a few hours later as I was drinking coffee, I experienced what I can only describe as a “stenchy” taste and smell, the result of the previous evening’s menu of broiled fish. Apparently the water in which I had washed my cup had so absorbed the fishy smell that it still lingered within and upon the vessel, even spreading itself to the drink contained within. What a vivid spiritual lesson! Solomon writes of a similar incongruity: “Dead flies cause the ointment of the perfumer to putrefy [and] send forth a vile odor; so does a little folly [in him who is valued for wisdom] outweigh wisdom and honor” {Ecc 10:1}. Interestingly, one meaning of “to send forth” is “to utter.” To “putrefy” means “to rot, decay, or go moldy,” as resulted, for example, when the Israelites attempted to eat left-over manna, for “it bred worms, became foul, and stank” {Ex 16:20b}. Ointment (anointing) which must remain fresh in order bring life, nourishment and healing can easily become polluted with the infusion of elements of death, such as flesh or neglect. That of which we partake is that which we impart. How much of our personal and corporate anointing is contaminated by our words? The apostle James warns of the double mindedness of our hearts as evidenced by the words we speak: “… the tongue is a fire, a world of wickedness set among our members, contaminating and depraving the whole body…” {Jam 3:6.} How thoughtlessly we utter judgments and condemnations, acting as self-appointed judges! How aware are we of the impact of our negative words, even those spoken in secret, against the body of Christ? Only as we submit our thoughts and words to the testing and harnessing of the Holy Spirit can they be acceptable and pleasing to the Father, for “…the human tongue can be tamed by no man. It is a restless…evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who were made in God’s likeness! Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not to be so. Does a fountain send forth [simultaneously] from the same opening fresh water and bitter?” {Jam 3:8-11} While “The words and promises of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times over” {Ps 12:6}, man’s words arise from a deceitful and deceiving heart: “To his neighbor each one speaks words without use or worth or truth; with flattering lips and double heart [deceitfully] they speak” {Ps 12:2}. Though we may not utter the words aloud, within our hearts, we “…say, With our tongues we prevail; our lips are our own [to command at our will]—who is the lord and master over us?” {Ps 12:4}. For those times when our words have imparted destruction and death, in repentance let us pray with David, “Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips” {Ps 1:41:3}. - Ruth French August Newsletter 2004 | The Day of the Lord | Walk with God | Pastor's Journal August 2003 The Passion Within part 2 of 3 | Impartation and Increase part 2 of 3
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