What Christians Should Speak Of

So you know you should be more spiritual in your conversations. But what should you talk about? Thomas Watson has some suggestions:

1. Speak one to another of the promises of God. Nothing is so sweet as the promises of His word.
2. Speak one to another of the preciousness of Christ.
   
3. Speak one to another of sin. Talk about how deadly an evil it is, and how it has marred your nature.
4. Speak one to another of the beauty of holiness.
5. Speak one to another of your souls.
6. Speak one to another of death and eternity. Can you belong to another country and not talk of it?
7. Speak one to another of the times. Mourn for the disrespect shown to God and mourn over the souls of the lost.

So, why exactly aught one to pursue these things?

1. It was the practice of the saints of old, whom we are called to immitate.
   
2. We are called to redeem the time.
3. Christ has left us an example, in which we should follow. His words were perfumed with holiness.
4. Good discourse would prevent sinful discourse.
   
5. We may better know men's hearts by their discourse. The tongue is the index of the heart.
   
6. Good discourse is beneficial. It may affect the heart, encourage a brother, enlighten the ignorant, warm the cold, comfort the sad, and confirm the wavering.
   
7. We aught to speak well for we will be judged for our words.
8. Good discourse bring the Christian honor.
9. Good discourse brings Christ into our company.

Adapted from Thomas Watson, The Great Gain of Godliness, 69-73.