Psalm 17:3
Go ahead, examine me from inside out, surprise me in the middle of the night — You'll find I'm just what I say I am. My words don't run loose.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In recent weeks and months, both my mom and a friend of mine have gone out for their daily walks, only to be chased and frightened (and in my mother’s case, knocked to the ground) by “loose” dogs. Our city has a “voice command” ordinance now that says dogs can remain loose within the confines of their owner’s yard, as long as they respond to voice command. This is sort of an “amendment” to the city’s “leash law” that requires dogs to be on a leash when outside, unless in a fenced area.
Clearly, this “amendment” that allows voice command “control” is not working. My mom is okay – although she did hit her head – and my friend says she probably screamed loud enough to wake all of the neighbors the evening she was chased home. She says the “master” of the dog scaring her called to his loose pet, but the dog did not respond.
When our Master calls, do we answer? Do our words “run loose?” Do we find that in the darkness of night, we feel more comfortable sharing gossip or whispering with friends about this person or another? Do we feel that it’s okay to say disrespectful things, curse, or tell off-color jokes in certain company, because “They won’t tell,” or “They don’t mind.” Do we use language to try to fit in with certain people or crowds?
We need to exercise a “leash law” on our tongues. We need to initiate a “no tolerance” law upon ourselves. If we couldn’t say it directly to Jesus and feel comfortable, we shouldn’t say it at all. Surely we don’t curse when we talk to HIM! Surely we don’t refer to His children with off-color, racist or derogatory names when we pray. Surely we wouldn’t share a filthy joke or hateful story with our Heavenly Father. So why do we think this is okay with our friends and acquaintances?
We need to study Psalm 17:3 and commit it to memory. We need to make it our mantra – and practice it daily. We need to be able to say to God, “Go ahead… examine me from inside out … night or day … and see what you find. I’m the real deal for You all the way. Your ‘voice command’ is in full effect!” Anything less is dishonorable, and completely unacceptable in the life of Christ’s disciples. Who controls your tongue today? Is the “voice command” of God your Master?
©2010 Debbie Robus
No comments:
Post a Comment