For the second time, arg… another lesson already learned this morning…save as you type!
Good Morning! While yesterdays post was more about the light of Jesus and the promised hope and peace He gives as we let Him be our light, today holds an extra gift, sunlight!!! Anyone else really appreciate the gift of sunlight? I hope by sharing some of our breakfast table discussion this morning your day too will have all sorts of “lightness” in it but first I’ll shine a little light from my alone time of seeking Jesus this morning through His Word and song.
There is never a coincidence when we are given awareness or thoughts to ponder from the things we hear, read, or end up having a conversations about. My morning time shone some light upon the power of our tongue. Because I am a bit of a words person, this I know. Sharing words is part of my unique and purposeful existence. I hope to let the words from my mouth be sweet to those around me, bringing life and hope into conversations and writings I send. Do I do this perfectly? Golly, no!!! For the times when I use words to hurt or tear down, thankfully Jesus lets me know. I can then seek forgiveness and purpose to change. I do this first by letting the soul who possibly absorbed my harsh words hear me say (and mean what I say), I was wrong to speak unkindly and next, trust Jesus to continue leading me out of my habit of harsh words. Here was my “pay attention prod” from this morning…
Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.
We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.
But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting the entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out of both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring. James 3:1-12 NLT
While the writer of this portion of Scripture James, the brother of Jesus, is specifically writing to the believers and followers of Jesus, I believe these words are important for all of us in all stages of life. Scripture holds many teachings on the root and use of our words. I know James uses strong language here and truth be told, in my life I have to agree with him. I know the wicked wielding power that can come through our tongues. But be encouraged! For I am who I am now — a whole and confidently humble daughter of King Jesus — because of the WORDS He has spoke of and to me through Scripture, His Saints, and the ever powerful intimate sweet whispers from His Spirit within. He offers the same healing and making words to you too!!! What are your thoughts? Is the same true for you, knowing words can be part of tearing down and building up?
Now for the cream in your coffee, the lighter bit <3 The following was part of what our together breakfast time held and since we are a family mostly of “talkers” it was and will remain relevant. It was written by Ken Davis, a great comedian our family has enjoyed listening and learning from over the years. No coincidence this excerpt is from his book “Lighten Up and Live.”
OPEN MOUTH, INSERT FOOT
While bicycling with my wife, Diane, I began to cough uncontrollably. I pulled to the side of the road and lay in the grass trying to catch my breath. Finally, with one violent cough a huge beetle tumbled out of my mouth.
When Diane saw what had caused the problem, she began laughing hysterically — after she had killed the prehistoric beast, of course. Between her own gasps for breath she said, “How many times have I told you to keep your mouth shut?”
Of course she was just teasing me, but it’s a lesson I am still learning. My first instinct is to correct, to disagree, to judge, or to “fix it” with a single sentence. So many relationships are damaged by people who speak before they think or listen.
My dad, a veteran of WWII, used to say, “Loose lips sink ships".”
The Scriptures leave no doubt. We need to be careful about what we say.
Set a guard over my mouth LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3
A fool speaks without thinking. A closed mouth gathers no foot — or bugs!
All that to “say” — if you are like me and don’t speak life all the time, I’m glad to know I am not alone. Remember though, we can always, and will only, find LIFE giving WORDS in and from Jesus. May we seek to know Him more and may we be light with our words!!!