The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. It’s the difference between the lightning-bug and the lightning. – Mark Twain

In 1989 in Surrey, England, Russell Gray, faced repeated frustration when local authorities denied his plans to build on an empty lot. Undeterred, he submitted a permit application for a tank. The council, assuming he meant a septic tank, approved it without hesitation. Seizing the loophole, Gray then purchased an authentic Russian T-34 tank as a birthday gift for his son and positioned it on the lot. In a mischievous act of defiance, he pointed its barrel directly at the planning office, turning bureaucratic oversight into a moment of dark humor and local legend. 

What was to be a simple construction permit became a literal historical spectacle of wartime machinery in the suburbs. The council later stated it couldn’t trace the original paperwork to verify the septic tank loophole; the Russian tank remained a local landmark and piece of street art for decades. 

One of the hardest verses in the Bible to obey is Ephesians 4:29, Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. We sin so easily with our words. It’s the difference between building up in a Christlike way or corrupting with our words. It’s the difference between our words being refreshing or rotting. 

Our God-given ability to communicate makes us unique in all of creation. Unlike the rest of nature, we are designed in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and can share our thoughts, desires and emotions with each other through our words. Which one is habitual for you, building up or corrupting? 

Jesus commands us to use words that build-up others. 

Scripture commands believers to be spiritual construction workers who use language as bricks and mortar to build others up. So, are you?

According to ancient Greek history, a visiting monarch toured the city-state of Sparta. The guest had heard tales of Sparta’s immense strength, but as he looked around, he noticed something strange: the city had no walls. Confused, the guest asked the King of Sparta, “I don’t see any walls. Show me the mighty fortifications I have heard so much about.” The Spartan king smiled, pointed to his army of fierce soldiers standing in perfect formation, and replied, “There are the walls of Sparta. Every man is a brick.”

That beautifully mirrors what Christians should be in their marriages, families and local church community. We’re not protected by brick-and-mortar buildings, but by the strength of relationships. When we speak edifying words, we lock arms and reinforce other “living bricks” around us. When life gets tough, the best defense can be a Christian spouse, parent, or spiritual siblings building them up. I’m so thankful for the many the Lord has given me through the years. So, how can we do this? 

1. We can share words of encouragement. “I see how hard you are working, and your effort really matters.” “You have what it takes to get through this challenge.” “God is using this even though it’s hard to see. His grace will get you through.”
2. We can share words of instruction. Are you like me? There are so many truths in the Bible that I’m working to get a grip on. So, we can say things like, “Let me share what helped me understand this better.” “Here is a practical way we can solve this problem together.”
3. We can share words of affirmation. “I appreciate your kindness and how you help others around you.” “Your wisdom and perspective brought a lot of peace to this situation.” “Thank you for being so thoughtful of others.” 

When famous 18^th-century artist Benjamin West was a boy, his mother left him home alone with his sister. Hoping to surprise his mother, Benjamin decided to paint a portrait of his sister. He gathered bottles of ink, but instead of a masterpiece, he made an absolute mess of the kitchen—leaving ink splatters on the table, floor, and furniture. But when his mother returned, she didn’t scold him. Instead, she picked up the ruined piece of paper, looked past the ink stains, and saw the rough outline of a child’s face. She smiled and said, “What a beautiful picture,” and gave him a kiss. Later in his life, West famously remarked: That kiss made me a painter. Is there someone you need to kiss today with your words? 

Two of my closest friends, Bob Loggans and Fred Froman, are continual sources of encouragement for me. And my wife, truly fits that song lyric: never is heard a discouraging word. I wish it was always true of me.  

Satan wants our words to be corrupting. 

Hopefully, as a Christ-follower, obscenity, profanity or crude language aren’t your word choices. Yet, we too easily fall into the sin of corrupted words. They’re a lot like taking a tube of toothpaste and squeezing the toothpaste out onto a plate. It’s impossible to put it all back in the tube. Words that build up can be like the morning fog, quickly gone. Corrupt words can have a sense of permanence. Many can still hear harsh words spoken to us by a parent decades ago. 

1. We must not be complainers. Our culture is addicted to complaining and too often we fall into the same toilet. This past week had beautiful weather, yet how often do we thank God for it? We complain about traffic, slow service, our spouse or our children. It seems it’s part of American DNA to complain about something. I’m just thankful that no one ever complains about church, the choice of music…and never the preacher (lol).
2. We must not be sinful critics. There is a place for constructive criticism. It’s not the place that most of us find. Sinful criticism finds its roots in the sin of pride. It rationalizes that it knows better, could do it better or has a better way. Yet so many areas are just our opinion. If there are no sinful choices or behavior, what does it matter? It doesn’t. 
3. We must not be gossips. Gossip is casual conversation about personal affairs, behavior, or character of someone absent. It’s usually negative. For example, spreading false rumors or lies about someone can damage their reputation. The same is true for saying secretive or spiteful words about someone not present. It’s often subtle, negative hints that cause listeners to question someone else’s character. We sometimes spiritualize it as a “prayer request” by sharing juicy details about someone under the pretense of asking others to “pray for them.” 
4. We must not give into harsh words. Letting loose or venting is become common. It’s often accompanied by loud volume and speed. It’s like being a target of an Uzzi. Too many are known for spewing verbal bullets, often at those closest to them, a spouse, a child or a friend.  

So, what kind of tank are your words? While you don’t want to be a septic tank, a water tank can be wonderful. Or we can be a Russian tank, blowing up those around us. Which one are you?