…out of the fulness (the overflow, the superabundance) of the heart the mouth speaks. – Matthew 12:34, Amplified Bible

I am allergic to just about everything God has created. Despite taking daily doses of an antihistamine, a nasal steroid, and an asthma inhaler, I would regularly contract a sinus infection – which would often turn into bronchitis – about every six weeks in the Spring, Summer, and Fall when various allergens hit their peaks. Several years ago I was introduced to a simple allergy treatment called a Netipot, and my life has been dramatically changed! Thanks to this daily warm salt water nasal rinse, I’ve been off of my nasal steroid and asthma inhaler for years (I still take the daily antihistamine, just in case.) I haven’t had a single sinus infection or case of bronchitis since I began using a Netipot, and I can breathe better than I have in my entire life.

Every time I hear someone complaining about their allergy woes, I jump on the opportunity to share my Netipot story. In a way, I suppose, you could say I am a Netipot evangelist. The device has saved me from a life of allergy-induced misery, and I want others to know just how much it can help them, too.

Not long ago I heard a preacher reference Matthew 12:34 during one of his sermons. His point was simple and short: whatever is overflowing in your heart is manifested in your speech. My thoughts turned immediately to my beloved Netipot, for I am quick to speak to others out of the gratitude in my heart for this device. But, then, I was ashamed as I realized I am not nearly as quick to share the Savior that saved me from Hell as I am to share the medical device that has saved me from my allergies.

Do I witness to others? Yes. Do I hand out Gospel tracts? Yes. Am I as ready and willing to share the Gospel of Christ as I am to share the gospel according to Netipot? No, and therein lies my shame. But before you judge me, know this: most Christians suffer a similar shame. Some Christians are quick to jump into conversations about sports. Other Christians are ready to preach the gospel of their favorite restaurants or vacation spots. Still others can’t stop talking about their kids or grandkids. There is nothing wrong with having such things fill your heart and, thus, fill your speech. But what is likely as eye-opening to you as it was to me is your answer to the question, “Do I get as excited telling others about Christ as I do telling others about….?” You fill in the blank. For most of us the condemning answer is, “no,” and understanding that will be our first step towards personal revival.

Believers experience revival when Christ is abundant in their hearts. If our speech is not overflowing with constant, glorious praise of our Savior, then that is a sign that God is not abundant in our hearts. To experience revival, we must admit this truth, and we must invite Christ to take His preeminent place in our hearts. When we do this, revival will follow.

What do you like to talk about?

May God help us all to recognize the deficiency of our hearts, and may God cure that deficiency by filling us with Himself!