James 3:13-16
Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here's what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn't wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn't wisdom. It's the furthest thing from wisdom—it's animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you're trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others' throats.
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.
On ABC’s The View, Barbara Walters said she wished children did not take Valentines to school on Valentine’s Day. Several of her co-workers gasped and questioned her about this remark. She explained that there always seemed to be a few children who brought Valentines for everyone and had a big fancy box to collect those which they received in return. However, not all children could afford to bring Valentines for others. And just as hurtful, some children were excluded from the exchange on purpose. Walters’ own daughter experienced this as a tall-for-her-age, gawky 6th grader who took a Valentine for every classmate… yet some deliberately did not reciprocate and made her feel inferior and ugly.
We start early building competitive spirit - and downright arrogance, prejudice, and meanness – into our children. By the time they are in upper elementary school, many have drawn a line in the sand between the “Haves” and the “Have-nots”… the “pretty” and the “ugly”… the popular and the unpopular people. Some spend lot of time and energy trying to be in the former camps, rather than the latter… and they will do almost anything to belong.
In my adult life, I have found it interesting to reconnect with some of the people who were so busy talking, boasting, twisting the truth, conniving and bullying others in order to appear wise, popular, or more important. Often, their lives turned out anything but well… filled with heartaches, missteps, and disappointments – if not utter failure. Some of those who lived in the shadows, quietly and humbly minding their own business, have gone on to accomplish great success… to become wise, well-respected, honorable and productive human beings who glorify God and bless others in their path.
Today, I challenge you to spend a few minutes thinking about your actions – and reactions – toward others. What image are you projecting? Are you boastful, judgmental, prejudiced, conniving? Do you take whatever steps are necessary to get ahead, make yourself look better, appear wise and affluent, and get what you want… at the expense of anything or anyone in your way? Has this become so much a part of your psyche that you don’t even realize you behave this way?
Ask God to show you where – and how – you need to become more humble. Call on Him to help you control your mouth… and your actions. It’s never too late to grow in wisdom… to more closely resemble the person God has called you to be. You may not be able to go back to 6th grade and give every classmate a Valentine, but you can start to be a nicer person in your present circle of friends and acquaintances. Are you building a reputation for wisdom? Will this be the Valentine’s Day you truly begin to operate in God’s love for you and those around you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label talk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label talk. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for October 18, 2010
Proverbs 21:23
Watching what you say can save you a lot of trouble.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, a friend posted a comment on Facebook about how a couple of his college professors were two of the most despised instructors on campus. This may seem like a harmless comment, but think about it … on the off chance that one of these instructors saw your post, do you really think this would make them go easier on you?
Most of us have probably shared something with someone in confidence and asked them not to repeat it … only to discover later that the person did just that. Or, we have gotten in stressful situations where we spoke nervously and said things we regretted later. The result of both is a lousy feeling.
You have no idea how God has used this scripture to speak to me … and maybe He is doing the same with you. More than ever, we are living in an age where every word we speak can be monitored, recorded, preserved for posterity, and misconstrued. In my case, I often encounter miscommunication challenges with my grandmother and her friends. I say one thing … she hears another. Or, she forgets what I told her and repeats her version of the conversation to family members and friends. In this situation, even watching what you say can still result in trouble!
For many of you, the current challenge is watching what you say online, via text and chat, and in social settings with your friends. Many innocent statements made using electronic media take on a completely different connotation when posted. Context is lost. Voice tone and inflection are not present … and the words take on a very different meaning. So “jokes” passed back and forth on a friend’s Facebook wall are seen by others and taken as an insult. A seemingly harmless rant about a college professor gets shown to him/her, and chances are good that things will be more difficult for you in that class.
Worse yet, trusting a wide circle of “friends” and sharing every detail of your personal life can lead to misunderstandings, gossip, and potentially hurtful untruths being spread. A good example is when you start dating someone. Sure, you want to get to know the person – especially if you really like him/her. But sharing your whole life history on the first few dates is probably going too far and could cause serious heartache and trouble down the road - particularly if this relationship doesn’t last.
I have been having a serious conversation with God in recent days, asking Him to help me to moderate my speech – and to give me more wisdom and discernment in this area. I am asking Him to show me how to be more cautious, less trusting, and far less naïve. I am asking for wisdom in my communication, so that my words and their meaning are not misunderstood or misconstrued by others. And I am asking that what I speak would always be the truth, spoken with love, care and respect … and exactly what HE wants me to say.
I have a long ways to go, but I know that God can perform miracles where I make messes. I know that He can accomplish things I never dreamed possible. And I know that He can guide our thoughts, our words, and how they are interpreted by others. The key is to ask for His help … and then to listen for His guidance - and take it! This honors our relationship with God, which should be motivation enough. But if this also keeps us from getting into trouble, wouldn’t you agree that it’s even more worth the effort?
Even if you don’t feel this is an issue for you, I invite you to ask God to “double-check your work” – and your thoughts and speech. Make sure He is guiding your words and keeping you in agreement with His plans … and safe from the trouble that comes from dropping your guard.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Watching what you say can save you a lot of trouble.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, a friend posted a comment on Facebook about how a couple of his college professors were two of the most despised instructors on campus. This may seem like a harmless comment, but think about it … on the off chance that one of these instructors saw your post, do you really think this would make them go easier on you?
Most of us have probably shared something with someone in confidence and asked them not to repeat it … only to discover later that the person did just that. Or, we have gotten in stressful situations where we spoke nervously and said things we regretted later. The result of both is a lousy feeling.
You have no idea how God has used this scripture to speak to me … and maybe He is doing the same with you. More than ever, we are living in an age where every word we speak can be monitored, recorded, preserved for posterity, and misconstrued. In my case, I often encounter miscommunication challenges with my grandmother and her friends. I say one thing … she hears another. Or, she forgets what I told her and repeats her version of the conversation to family members and friends. In this situation, even watching what you say can still result in trouble!
For many of you, the current challenge is watching what you say online, via text and chat, and in social settings with your friends. Many innocent statements made using electronic media take on a completely different connotation when posted. Context is lost. Voice tone and inflection are not present … and the words take on a very different meaning. So “jokes” passed back and forth on a friend’s Facebook wall are seen by others and taken as an insult. A seemingly harmless rant about a college professor gets shown to him/her, and chances are good that things will be more difficult for you in that class.
Worse yet, trusting a wide circle of “friends” and sharing every detail of your personal life can lead to misunderstandings, gossip, and potentially hurtful untruths being spread. A good example is when you start dating someone. Sure, you want to get to know the person – especially if you really like him/her. But sharing your whole life history on the first few dates is probably going too far and could cause serious heartache and trouble down the road - particularly if this relationship doesn’t last.
I have been having a serious conversation with God in recent days, asking Him to help me to moderate my speech – and to give me more wisdom and discernment in this area. I am asking Him to show me how to be more cautious, less trusting, and far less naïve. I am asking for wisdom in my communication, so that my words and their meaning are not misunderstood or misconstrued by others. And I am asking that what I speak would always be the truth, spoken with love, care and respect … and exactly what HE wants me to say.
I have a long ways to go, but I know that God can perform miracles where I make messes. I know that He can accomplish things I never dreamed possible. And I know that He can guide our thoughts, our words, and how they are interpreted by others. The key is to ask for His help … and then to listen for His guidance - and take it! This honors our relationship with God, which should be motivation enough. But if this also keeps us from getting into trouble, wouldn’t you agree that it’s even more worth the effort?
Even if you don’t feel this is an issue for you, I invite you to ask God to “double-check your work” – and your thoughts and speech. Make sure He is guiding your words and keeping you in agreement with His plans … and safe from the trouble that comes from dropping your guard.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 4, 2010
Ecclesiastes 9:17
Words of wisdom spoken softly make much more sense than the shouts of a ruler to a crowd of fools.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you know someone who never raises his/her voice … even in a heated discussion? Doesn’t it just make you crazy sometimes that when you are yelling at someone in an argument, this person remains calm and never elevates his/her voice above a normal tone? Maybe these sorts of people have studied Ecclesiastes 9:17 a little more closely than we have!
Lots of people want to shout. I’m particularly struck these days by politicians who stand behind the podium at a rally or a campaign event or press conference and yell and scream and turn blood red as they try vehemently to make their point. It’s almost laughable in many instances, particularly in debates where one candidate gets all “riled up” and the other remains calm and sensible. I don’t know about you, but that yelling and ranting may get my attention – but it doesn’t really sway my vote in that person’s favor!
Equally foolish to me are those who shout at sporting events. I’m not talking about the people who stand and yell and scream and cheer for their teams. I’m talking about the ones who continually berate the referees or team members who make bonehead plays – or coaches they feel are not doing a good job. Or … these people post things on forums and social networking sites, complaining about this ref or that coach or another player and making all sorts of claims and judgments. This is so foolish, and yet many of those who do these very things on one hand want to claim Jesus and a strong relationship with Him on the other. Do we honestly think this makes others want to be more Christ-like? Do we really think this is Christ-like in the first place?
Some of the most effective people are the “silent types.” Some of the most effective Christians are those who carry themselves with grace and poise – and a soft voice. I’m not saying we can’t be friendly and outgoing and “on fire for the Lord,” but when we start yelling and screaming or raising our voices to make our points, particularly about living for Jesus, we pretty well negate the efforts. And when we behave in a loud and boisterous manner that says, “Look at me! Look at me!”, we’re not honoring our relationship with God, either.
We need to be soft-spoken, wise, calm agents for our Heavenly Father. We need to do His work in the softness and quiet of going about our day, speaking gently and kindly to others, and sharing God’s love through our actions as much as our words. We need to stop shouting … period! What tone of voice are you using these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Words of wisdom spoken softly make much more sense than the shouts of a ruler to a crowd of fools.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you know someone who never raises his/her voice … even in a heated discussion? Doesn’t it just make you crazy sometimes that when you are yelling at someone in an argument, this person remains calm and never elevates his/her voice above a normal tone? Maybe these sorts of people have studied Ecclesiastes 9:17 a little more closely than we have!
Lots of people want to shout. I’m particularly struck these days by politicians who stand behind the podium at a rally or a campaign event or press conference and yell and scream and turn blood red as they try vehemently to make their point. It’s almost laughable in many instances, particularly in debates where one candidate gets all “riled up” and the other remains calm and sensible. I don’t know about you, but that yelling and ranting may get my attention – but it doesn’t really sway my vote in that person’s favor!
Equally foolish to me are those who shout at sporting events. I’m not talking about the people who stand and yell and scream and cheer for their teams. I’m talking about the ones who continually berate the referees or team members who make bonehead plays – or coaches they feel are not doing a good job. Or … these people post things on forums and social networking sites, complaining about this ref or that coach or another player and making all sorts of claims and judgments. This is so foolish, and yet many of those who do these very things on one hand want to claim Jesus and a strong relationship with Him on the other. Do we honestly think this makes others want to be more Christ-like? Do we really think this is Christ-like in the first place?
Some of the most effective people are the “silent types.” Some of the most effective Christians are those who carry themselves with grace and poise – and a soft voice. I’m not saying we can’t be friendly and outgoing and “on fire for the Lord,” but when we start yelling and screaming or raising our voices to make our points, particularly about living for Jesus, we pretty well negate the efforts. And when we behave in a loud and boisterous manner that says, “Look at me! Look at me!”, we’re not honoring our relationship with God, either.
We need to be soft-spoken, wise, calm agents for our Heavenly Father. We need to do His work in the softness and quiet of going about our day, speaking gently and kindly to others, and sharing God’s love through our actions as much as our words. We need to stop shouting … period! What tone of voice are you using these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 24, 2010
Proverbs 13:3
Keep what you know to yourself, and you will be safe; talk too much, and you are done for.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve had to shake my head at some of the posts on Facebook, particularly from teens and young adults. “Joe 123 is in a relationship,” followed a few days later by “Joe 123 is single.” Or “Sue ABC is ‘it’s complicated.’” We’ve had some fun with a few folks who have been married for years but never filled out their personal profile info until lately, and then all of a sudden, “Jim XYZ is married!” Old news … Jim has been married for 30 years!
The thing is … Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets have become tremendous vehicles for gossip. There is so much room for interpretation – or mis-interpretation. There is room for things to become twisted and distorted in epic proportions. And more than ever, there is room for misunderstanding and misery. We’ve all come to understand TMI – too much information – and there truly is plenty to go around.
So our lesson for today is to put a lid on it! If more people were less eager to announce that they were in a relationship after the first glance, the relationship might have a chance to actually develop into something that could last! If we didn’t share all of our deepest thoughts and information with every “friend” we have, we might have smoother sailing in life. People love to talk, so the “friend who would never tell,” very well may tell another “friend who would never tell.” Do you see what I mean?
Think about what you are saying and sharing - everywhere - not just on social media networks. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable knowing someone was standing up in a crowded room and telling everyone what you are about to say, then don’t share it with even your “closest friends.” If there is even a remote chance that what you are saying about someone could get back to them, you had better be 100% sure they would be okay with it. The better policy is to never repeat personal information or “news” to others. And while you are at it, think about what you are posting on Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets. If you couldn’t tell the same things to your grandmother in person, they probably are not suitable for posting!
God wants us to be good stewards of our mouths. He wants us to spend time sharing His love, grace, mercy and Good News … not the latest gossip or unkind talk and opinions. Before we speak, let’s stop, take a breath … maybe even try the sentence out in our heads … and then ask ourselves if what we are about to say would be pleasing to God. This should determine how we proceed. It’s a tough order, but to do otherwise could have serious consequences. Keep what you know to yourself … please God … and preserve your reputation and your conscience!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Keep what you know to yourself, and you will be safe; talk too much, and you are done for.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve had to shake my head at some of the posts on Facebook, particularly from teens and young adults. “Joe 123 is in a relationship,” followed a few days later by “Joe 123 is single.” Or “Sue ABC is ‘it’s complicated.’” We’ve had some fun with a few folks who have been married for years but never filled out their personal profile info until lately, and then all of a sudden, “Jim XYZ is married!” Old news … Jim has been married for 30 years!
The thing is … Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets have become tremendous vehicles for gossip. There is so much room for interpretation – or mis-interpretation. There is room for things to become twisted and distorted in epic proportions. And more than ever, there is room for misunderstanding and misery. We’ve all come to understand TMI – too much information – and there truly is plenty to go around.
So our lesson for today is to put a lid on it! If more people were less eager to announce that they were in a relationship after the first glance, the relationship might have a chance to actually develop into something that could last! If we didn’t share all of our deepest thoughts and information with every “friend” we have, we might have smoother sailing in life. People love to talk, so the “friend who would never tell,” very well may tell another “friend who would never tell.” Do you see what I mean?
Think about what you are saying and sharing - everywhere - not just on social media networks. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable knowing someone was standing up in a crowded room and telling everyone what you are about to say, then don’t share it with even your “closest friends.” If there is even a remote chance that what you are saying about someone could get back to them, you had better be 100% sure they would be okay with it. The better policy is to never repeat personal information or “news” to others. And while you are at it, think about what you are posting on Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets. If you couldn’t tell the same things to your grandmother in person, they probably are not suitable for posting!
God wants us to be good stewards of our mouths. He wants us to spend time sharing His love, grace, mercy and Good News … not the latest gossip or unkind talk and opinions. Before we speak, let’s stop, take a breath … maybe even try the sentence out in our heads … and then ask ourselves if what we are about to say would be pleasing to God. This should determine how we proceed. It’s a tough order, but to do otherwise could have serious consequences. Keep what you know to yourself … please God … and preserve your reputation and your conscience!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 22, 2010
James 3:8
But our tongues get out of control. They are restless and evil, and always spreading deadly poison.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was about 10 years old, my Girl Scout leader was helping us with a sewing project, and I think she stuck herself with a needle. Anyway, I remember she said “Darn it!” We were appalled, and she was embarrassed. This was not quite a curse word, but it was not a nice word to use in conversation in 1967… especially in front of ten-year-olds! That seems almost laughable now, because many of us use the word “darn” and don’t give it a second thought. But sadly, many of us often use words that are far worse!
My childhood was probably like most … in junior high and senior high, I started to hang out with some people who used some pretty bad language. They weren’t bad people … they just thought this rowdy language was cool. And at first, I didn’t participate … until they laughed at me. So I let them “teach” me to curse. For a while, we thought we were really hot stuff, because we knew all of the really BAD words! Oh, we didn’t use them around adults … or most certainly our parents or teachers … but we sure had fun other times. Our tongues were most definitely out of control.
Has it ever occurred to you that many shows like “Andy Griffith”, “I Love Lucy” and “Bonanza” and many movies produced before 1970 are really good – even today – and yet they contain no cursing? Truly, the four-letter words don’t add much of anything to the story in most cases, but you can hardly find a television show - much less a movie - that doesn’t contain them now. And on many cable shows, it’s hard to keep up sometimes, because every other word seems to be “bleeped.”
The truth is … much of what we say becomes a habit. My grandmother starts virtually every sentence with, “I tell you what…” Others start saying things like “Been there, done that,” or “No way, Jose,” or “Shut the front door.” And while these are harmless phrases, nobody likes to be around someone who peppers their sentences – or their Internet posts – with cursing. One I would particularly like to see people stop using is OMG. Did you realize that any time you speak some form of the Lord’s name in this manner, you are “taking His name in vain,” which is a form of cursing?
Habits can be broken. It won’t be easy, but if you find you are using inappropriate language, ask God to help you stop. A good way to start is to find a silly substitute for the words you use most frequently. If you stub your toe, try saying something like “sugar pie.” When something doesn’t go your way, how about saying “fiddlesticks” or “flitter,” as was the word my mom’s friend uses. My mother-in-law likes to say “phooey!” Whatever works for you … but it has to be something totally off-the-wall and unrelated to the curse word you once used. It works - I promise! Everyone needs a “vent” word from time to time … but it doesn’t have to be a well-known dirty one. God will help you work on this bad habit and clean up your speech – and get your tongue under control. People may wonder what on earth you are talking about, but they will never think of you as someone who cannot control their tongue!
©2010 Debbie Robus
But our tongues get out of control. They are restless and evil, and always spreading deadly poison.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was about 10 years old, my Girl Scout leader was helping us with a sewing project, and I think she stuck herself with a needle. Anyway, I remember she said “Darn it!” We were appalled, and she was embarrassed. This was not quite a curse word, but it was not a nice word to use in conversation in 1967… especially in front of ten-year-olds! That seems almost laughable now, because many of us use the word “darn” and don’t give it a second thought. But sadly, many of us often use words that are far worse!
My childhood was probably like most … in junior high and senior high, I started to hang out with some people who used some pretty bad language. They weren’t bad people … they just thought this rowdy language was cool. And at first, I didn’t participate … until they laughed at me. So I let them “teach” me to curse. For a while, we thought we were really hot stuff, because we knew all of the really BAD words! Oh, we didn’t use them around adults … or most certainly our parents or teachers … but we sure had fun other times. Our tongues were most definitely out of control.
Has it ever occurred to you that many shows like “Andy Griffith”, “I Love Lucy” and “Bonanza” and many movies produced before 1970 are really good – even today – and yet they contain no cursing? Truly, the four-letter words don’t add much of anything to the story in most cases, but you can hardly find a television show - much less a movie - that doesn’t contain them now. And on many cable shows, it’s hard to keep up sometimes, because every other word seems to be “bleeped.”
The truth is … much of what we say becomes a habit. My grandmother starts virtually every sentence with, “I tell you what…” Others start saying things like “Been there, done that,” or “No way, Jose,” or “Shut the front door.” And while these are harmless phrases, nobody likes to be around someone who peppers their sentences – or their Internet posts – with cursing. One I would particularly like to see people stop using is OMG. Did you realize that any time you speak some form of the Lord’s name in this manner, you are “taking His name in vain,” which is a form of cursing?
Habits can be broken. It won’t be easy, but if you find you are using inappropriate language, ask God to help you stop. A good way to start is to find a silly substitute for the words you use most frequently. If you stub your toe, try saying something like “sugar pie.” When something doesn’t go your way, how about saying “fiddlesticks” or “flitter,” as was the word my mom’s friend uses. My mother-in-law likes to say “phooey!” Whatever works for you … but it has to be something totally off-the-wall and unrelated to the curse word you once used. It works - I promise! Everyone needs a “vent” word from time to time … but it doesn’t have to be a well-known dirty one. God will help you work on this bad habit and clean up your speech – and get your tongue under control. People may wonder what on earth you are talking about, but they will never think of you as someone who cannot control their tongue!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 20, 2010
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
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
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