2 Timothy 2:16-17, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene."
The old saying, "sticks and stones may break my bones but names can never hurt me." Is that true? I don't think so. The verse above did not come from me. I did not write it. God did. This past week has reminded me of two things:
(1) the damage the power of the tongue can cause; (2) well, that's another lesson for another day!
The power of the tongue: We praise God with it. We encourage friends and family with it. We communicate messages with it. We share a secret. We sing a song. We give well wishes. We spread a little gossip. We tell course jokes. We curse with it. We say mean things. Do you see the regression? Sometimes a word could be aptly spoken, like "apples of gold" and we withhold or begrudge someone a blessing. I wonder if my words are like apples of gold to my family (not always), my friends, our written words. I'm accountable for my actions and my words and so are you. Our words, written or otherwise, are not supposed to hurt. It's not OUR place. There's only one Holy Spirit and only One who has the power to convict me (or you) of sin. Funny thing about words...you can't take them back. They are out and the damage is done.
Happy Birthday. Be careful. Call me. I love you. I'm sorry. Pray for me. Happy Anniversary. I'll pray for you! You're sweet! You're beautiful. How are you? Have a blessed day. Can I help you? Are you okay? What's for supper? Why aren't the dishes washed? Go to your room. Stop fighting. Be nice. Singing praises to the King. Calm down. Grow up. Go Away. Excellent work! Answer the phone! Hurry up. Now! Can you get me a coke? Can I just have some peace and quiet. He hurt my feelings. You shouldn't have said that! ~ this is an inventory of some of my recent comments. Reflection is good for you. As I reflect on this past week and some of my words, I didn't do so bad. As I reflect...I didn't do so good either.
What do words do? One of two things: build up or tear down. During Upward Basketball season, I compared our words to an attic or basement. Some words lift people up. And some words bring you
down...
down...
down...
So...how are you doing this week? How am I doing this week? I'm still a work in progress and I'm so glad I recognize His voice. Props to Amy for helping me reflect. But like I said, I'm only responsible for ME. YOU are responsible for yourself. : ) That's just the way it works.
Is what you are saying true? Is it noble? Is is praiseworthy? Is it good, honorable? Loyal? Glorifying to God? If not, keep it to yourself. Is it going to help someone? Or hurt someone?
Trying to tame the tongue,
