Loose Lips with Leaders – Numbers 12:1-3

Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. And they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the Lord heard it. Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.

This is a terribly frightening passage when you consider how much God hates it when brothers and sisters bad mouth His prophet. His wrath is kindled and He brings severe consequences upon those who participate. Scary beyond belief.

We must be very careful with our words when speaking about an anointed man of God. God’s man is blessed and protected. As he walks in humility we are enjoined to respect him and support him. Criticizing the humble, faithful man (or woman) of God is not taken lightly by Father God. Certainly Moses was a very special prophet; however, we are also able to identify men and women today who have been blessed in a similar manner. Our best approach when speaking of such men and women is to keep our unfounded criticisms to ourselves. Better yet, we should run those criticisms out of our mind and get on with the business of encouraging God’s leader. For that matter, when is it ever right to project unfounded criticism upon any of God’s people? Never!

Forgive us, Lord, for our critical, judgmental hearts.

Psalm 141:3
Take control of what I say and guard my lips.