James 3:3-6
A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!
It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell.
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.
For most of the summer, our entire state – and much of the country - has been under a burn ban. A drought created conditions that were ripe for dangerous, deadly fires… and sadly, thousands of acres in our state and others have been left in char and ashes. Some in Arkansas lost their homes, but even more lost everything in the states of Colorado, Idaho, and Washington. In almost an instant, families went from living their everyday lives to being told to get out immediately. When they returned, nothing remained where only a few hours earlier they had gone about their day. In many of these instances, the tiniest spark started all of this. I know of more than one instance in Arkansas where the blade of a tractor or mower hit a rock, created a spark, and hundreds of acres were ruined.
One would think that such a tiny spark could be quickly and easily extinguished. Surely the person on the tractor could have jumped off and hurriedly put out the fire before it spread! In truth, this spark set off a firestorm that raged so quickly that nobody had the time or capability to stop it singlehandedly. Even if several people had been nearby to help, I am not sure that some of these fires could have been corralled. The damage was done – instantly. And while these fires were contained over time, the collateral destruction in some cases is almost immeasurable. Family homes can be rebuilt. Memories remain… but photos, personal papers, mementos and treasures – and even family – are gone forever in many cases.
When we speak, each of our words has the same potential as a spark. We can instigate good with our comments… or we can set off a firestorm of disastrous events. And as I have said before, words are like toothpaste – once they are “out of the tube,” I challenge you to put them back! So when we fly off the handle and speak without thinking, we can hurt a lot of people. We may “accidentally” pepper our language with four-letter words, but others see us as someone who has a “colorful” vocabulary (and I’m being nice here!).
When we tell someone how we really feel – and do so with blunt, stinging criticisms – we may be able to repair the damage and rebuild the relationship later… but it will take a lot of work and forgiveness – and maybe a generous heart or two. When we call people names, we have judged them. When we tell a kid, “You can’t do that!” – as in, “You can’t go to college,” or “You’ll never amount to anything,” we have spoken a wildfire of discouragement to that child that may have lifelong ramifications.
I know far too many people who feel that God doesn’t care about them because someone told them they were wrong to ask questions, their behavior was unforgivable, or they were simply not good enough. I know others who were called an ugly name, and it scarred them for life. In essence, our words have the potential to destroy. The structural framework of a person’s life may be rebuilt in time… but often, there are little snippets of the heart that never mend. And this breaks God’s heart.
Here’s the deal… what break’s God’s heart should break ours. We should impose our own “burn ban” on words that judge, offend, wound, and destroy others. We must continually be asking God for guidance before we speak, rather than asking Him to help us repair the damage afterward. We have to be thoughtful and careful about everything we say. Yes, we must always speak the truth… and sometimes this can be painful for others to hear. But we absolutely must consider our delivery and make sure that our tongue is not the spark for a firestorm of destruction… the catalyst for irreparable damage… and a huge disappointment to our Heavenly Father.
What are you speaking today? Are your words soothing and encouraging… or are they rapid-fire and potentially volatile, like a bottle rocket on the Fourth of July? Spend some time with God today, and ask Him to help you control your tongue. Make sure that what you say honors Him and builds up His children… and His Kingdom.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label sharp talk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sharp talk. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for May 7, 2011
Proverbs 16:27-28
Worthless people plan trouble. Even their words burn like a flaming fire. Gossip is no good! It causes hard feelings and comes between friends.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I recently purchased a box of vintage linens at an estate auction. When I got home, I carefully sorted through the things in the box and washed many of them to starch and iron and prepare for sale. You never know what you will find in a box of old linens. Some things are perfect… practically brand new… like they were never used. Others are stained, frayed, and worn. But most still have some use in them – even if they bear the marks of continued usage and/or abuse.
In the box were twelve beautiful crocheted cotton placemats. The lines and the workmanship were fairly simple but still represented a huge amount of work and care. Most were completely intact and nearly perfect in condition. However, one had some tatters in a small area. Another had a tiny fray. And yet another had a slight stain. In all, the whole set still has quality, and once a table is set with the placemats, the tiny tatters and stains will hardly be noticeable… if at all. Yet they are there, and the integrity of those three placemats has – to some degree – been compromised.
As I pressed these placemats, I thought about these two verses from Proverbs… how poorly chosen words and venomous gossip create a stain and tatters in relationships. Sometimes, these can be mended… the rough edges and tears in the heart can be smoothed and covered. But the stain or tear still remains. The hurt may heal – the person who spoke harshly or spread the gossip may be forgiven. But the damage is done… and sometimes, no repair can be made.
Like the stain on a placemat that can be covered with tableware, hurtful words can be covered… but the “stain” is still there. And we, as Christians, are sometimes the very people who put the stain on someone’s heart or reputation with our ill-chosen words.
Sometimes, we don’t really even know the people about whom we gossip or say unkind things. And maybe we figure that, because we really don’t know them – and they will never know what we said about them – it doesn’t really hurt anything or anyone. But the truth is that people are watching – and listening. If even one person is influenced by our negative or unkind words… that’s one too many. The integrity of our Christian witness is compromised.
Ask God to show you how to control your thoughts before you speak… and ultimately what comes out of your mouth. Don’t be known as someone who is mean or worthless… a gossip that spreads lies and breaks up friendships… a troublemaker who is always trying to stir up others’ feelings. This is not Godly behavior… and it doesn’t please our Heavenly Father one bit!
Be who God has called you to be… a wise, careful, thoughtful person who prayerfully considers what to say before engaging the tongue. In The Message, Proverbs 16:25 says “There’s a way that looks harmless enough: look again – it leads straight to hell.” Ask God if what you are about to say about someone or a certain situation is really harmless… and let Him lead you in the right direction and toward a wise decision for yourself… and for all concerned.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Worthless people plan trouble. Even their words burn like a flaming fire. Gossip is no good! It causes hard feelings and comes between friends.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I recently purchased a box of vintage linens at an estate auction. When I got home, I carefully sorted through the things in the box and washed many of them to starch and iron and prepare for sale. You never know what you will find in a box of old linens. Some things are perfect… practically brand new… like they were never used. Others are stained, frayed, and worn. But most still have some use in them – even if they bear the marks of continued usage and/or abuse.
In the box were twelve beautiful crocheted cotton placemats. The lines and the workmanship were fairly simple but still represented a huge amount of work and care. Most were completely intact and nearly perfect in condition. However, one had some tatters in a small area. Another had a tiny fray. And yet another had a slight stain. In all, the whole set still has quality, and once a table is set with the placemats, the tiny tatters and stains will hardly be noticeable… if at all. Yet they are there, and the integrity of those three placemats has – to some degree – been compromised.
As I pressed these placemats, I thought about these two verses from Proverbs… how poorly chosen words and venomous gossip create a stain and tatters in relationships. Sometimes, these can be mended… the rough edges and tears in the heart can be smoothed and covered. But the stain or tear still remains. The hurt may heal – the person who spoke harshly or spread the gossip may be forgiven. But the damage is done… and sometimes, no repair can be made.
Like the stain on a placemat that can be covered with tableware, hurtful words can be covered… but the “stain” is still there. And we, as Christians, are sometimes the very people who put the stain on someone’s heart or reputation with our ill-chosen words.
Sometimes, we don’t really even know the people about whom we gossip or say unkind things. And maybe we figure that, because we really don’t know them – and they will never know what we said about them – it doesn’t really hurt anything or anyone. But the truth is that people are watching – and listening. If even one person is influenced by our negative or unkind words… that’s one too many. The integrity of our Christian witness is compromised.
Ask God to show you how to control your thoughts before you speak… and ultimately what comes out of your mouth. Don’t be known as someone who is mean or worthless… a gossip that spreads lies and breaks up friendships… a troublemaker who is always trying to stir up others’ feelings. This is not Godly behavior… and it doesn’t please our Heavenly Father one bit!
Be who God has called you to be… a wise, careful, thoughtful person who prayerfully considers what to say before engaging the tongue. In The Message, Proverbs 16:25 says “There’s a way that looks harmless enough: look again – it leads straight to hell.” Ask God if what you are about to say about someone or a certain situation is really harmless… and let Him lead you in the right direction and toward a wise decision for yourself… and for all concerned.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 15, 2011
Proverbs 12:18-19, 22
Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise. Truth lasts; lies are here today, gone tomorrow.
God can't stomach liars; he loves the company of those who keep their word.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have worked with some great people in my lifetime. I’ve gotten acquainted with some people of tremendous integrity and moral fiber… people who truly put the interests of others above their own and always do the right thing, even in situations where that is a darn tough choice! I’ve also encountered some people who would step over their own grandmother to make themselves look better. These people lie so often that nobody knows if – or when – they have uttered anything resembling the truth. A lot of people have been hurt along the way by this dishonesty… and I can assure you, God is not pleased by these lies.
In “the heat of the moment,” we often say and do things that are hurtful… dishonest… outrageous… disrespectful. And the effect of these behaviors can be powerful. Some of us become so skilled at distorting the facts that we honestly don’t know what is true and what isn’t any more. And some people know they are lying… and simply don’t care!
Early on, God blessed me with enough examples of honest people who “took the high road” to see that nothing good comes from lies and hurtful words. And while I am sure that I am still sometimes guilty of saying something rash and sharp, I pray that more often, I bite my tongue or find a way of expressing my viewpoint in a kind and loving manner. I have seen firsthand how God blesses this type of behavior.
Be assured that retaliating toward a bully will not get you anywhere. While it may seem like walking away and “taking it” is the coward’s way… it’s not. God will sustain you. He will give you what you need… and in the long run, YOU will be the one who is blessed. When people cheat you out of what is rightfully yours, know that God will make things right. I’m not talking about revenge… although that may be what God chooses to enact. But God will bless you for your honesty and integrity. It may take years… you may have to wait until you get to Heaven… but He will bless you for honoring Him in this way.
Sadly, Satan is the author of lies… and he has plenty of willing agents to present them. He has cheaters and deadbeats and vindictive people on every street corner, waiting to challenge our faith and our Spiritual integrity. Do not be fooled… do not fall into this trap. Take the High Road… walk above the dishonesty and stay close to Jesus. He will see you through… He will bless your loyalty. You will look back and realize that these tests have made you stronger and fortified your relationship with the One who matters… and you’ll be thankful for God’s gifts of wisdom and courage… and the healing of lasting truth.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise. Truth lasts; lies are here today, gone tomorrow.
God can't stomach liars; he loves the company of those who keep their word.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have worked with some great people in my lifetime. I’ve gotten acquainted with some people of tremendous integrity and moral fiber… people who truly put the interests of others above their own and always do the right thing, even in situations where that is a darn tough choice! I’ve also encountered some people who would step over their own grandmother to make themselves look better. These people lie so often that nobody knows if – or when – they have uttered anything resembling the truth. A lot of people have been hurt along the way by this dishonesty… and I can assure you, God is not pleased by these lies.
In “the heat of the moment,” we often say and do things that are hurtful… dishonest… outrageous… disrespectful. And the effect of these behaviors can be powerful. Some of us become so skilled at distorting the facts that we honestly don’t know what is true and what isn’t any more. And some people know they are lying… and simply don’t care!
Early on, God blessed me with enough examples of honest people who “took the high road” to see that nothing good comes from lies and hurtful words. And while I am sure that I am still sometimes guilty of saying something rash and sharp, I pray that more often, I bite my tongue or find a way of expressing my viewpoint in a kind and loving manner. I have seen firsthand how God blesses this type of behavior.
Be assured that retaliating toward a bully will not get you anywhere. While it may seem like walking away and “taking it” is the coward’s way… it’s not. God will sustain you. He will give you what you need… and in the long run, YOU will be the one who is blessed. When people cheat you out of what is rightfully yours, know that God will make things right. I’m not talking about revenge… although that may be what God chooses to enact. But God will bless you for your honesty and integrity. It may take years… you may have to wait until you get to Heaven… but He will bless you for honoring Him in this way.
Sadly, Satan is the author of lies… and he has plenty of willing agents to present them. He has cheaters and deadbeats and vindictive people on every street corner, waiting to challenge our faith and our Spiritual integrity. Do not be fooled… do not fall into this trap. Take the High Road… walk above the dishonesty and stay close to Jesus. He will see you through… He will bless your loyalty. You will look back and realize that these tests have made you stronger and fortified your relationship with the One who matters… and you’ll be thankful for God’s gifts of wisdom and courage… and the healing of lasting truth.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)