Tuesday, August 17, 2010

No Short Cuts!


Don't you just hate it when you are standing in line, waiting patiently for something whether in line at the grocery store, amusement park, or waiting for that prime parking space less than 25 yards from the front door of the store, and then someone takes your spot? What do you do? How do you handle it?

I know for me, I am a very non confrontational person so I say nothing then complain about it when I get home. Wishing I could just speak my mind but the words just won't come out right. I think my biggest fear is that it may turn hostile or even violent especially in today's world so perhaps my choice is the best for know.

However voicing my concern at home or to someone else just doesn't get the job done either. Lately I've been battling my words. I do a great job at encouraging everyone else to be positive and speak in kindness but looking back at my conversations over the course of the day, I cringe. I failed. Again!

Yet, I am not a failure. See if I gave up and just said to myself well that is just me, I verbalize things and it's better to let it out than keep it inside. At least that's what I've been told. Yet God's Word speaks the truth.

James 3:2 - " We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check."

WOW! I have a lot of work to go. This is my study and one area of work that may take me a life time to control. God's Word says if we can control what we say, we would be perfect. What is in our minds and hearts comes out of our mouths.

So we need to change that. We can't however on own merits succeed in this endeavor. We need God's help, every single day, every hour, every minute and every second to keep our thoughts pure and our hearts thinking on those fruits of the Spirit.

Have you thought of just how small things control larger objects? The Bible speaks of two examples in James 3:3-8. They are a bridle or bit in a horses mouth that controls the direction we want our horse to go, and a rudder on a ship. One small piece of wood or steel will steer the course of a large ship. So our tongue therefore controls our bodies.

We may try to change everything else about ourselves but if we truly want to move forward in the way of God's will for our lives, we should begin by controlling our tongue first and then everything else will fall in line. With God there is no short cuts!

15 comments:

Mari said...

I am the same way - I don't say anything to strangers but I can sure complain to my family. Great post!

Danae Hudson said...

I get tongue tied and think of what I should say hours or even days later! I hate dwelling on things, but I can still remember things that happened in the third grade.

Wonderful post!!

Girly Muse said...

Whew. This is a good one. I'm non-confrontational too, but boy do I know what to say later, in my own home! Nearly ALWAYS regret it.

Parsley said...

I'm like you for the same reasons. Much to think on.

Claremont First Ward said...

"Have you thought of just how small things control larger objects?"

Thinking about this makes me ponder the miraculous and not so miraculous nature of life!

wendy said...

YUP...important to "hold thy tongue" I get angry also, but tend to not say anything and make a scene.
sometime people are just rude.

love the paint in your bedroom and the kitchen looks great

Beth E. said...

I am also very non-confrontational. However, I still work at controlling my tongue. "Out of the heart the mouth speaketh", so I must work on my heart first.

Very thought-provoking post!

LV said...

Another Amen to your inspiring words.

Denise said...

So very true sis.

Loren said...

Oh Kat! What a great post! For me, I try to remember there is Life and Death in the tongue! I pray I speak words that bring LIFE

Love and Hugs!

The Red Brick Farmhouse said...

We sometimes say things that we shouldn't when we are fueled by anger. I try to hold my tongue!

Blessings~
Laura

Just Be Real said...

In the past I would not say anything out of fear. Now I would show it more in action and then speak up. Need to blend the two in a safe and humble approach. Thanks Kat.

LisaShaw said...

Powerful message Kat!

Many years ago when GOD started dealing with me on negative words I spoke to myself; or on speaking words that were in response to people who provoked me -- HE dealt with me on speaking healing, edifying words. I still pray daily and often to speak words that heal, edify and restore reflecting that Christ is alive in me.

I often fail in many ways but the Holy Spirit checks my spirit and reminds me of HIS Word and gets me back on track.

Speaking LIFE over ourselves and others at all times even when we must confront certain things.

I wish I could say I'm the quiet type (SMILE). It's ok to be quiet or to address things but both must be done with the remembrance of who we are in Christ. When we do then we'll glorify GOD no matter what!

Love you and your transparent heart!

Danae Hudson said...

Thank you so much, Kat, for your comment on my blog!!! I would really appreciate that :)

Dogmom Diva said...

Great post, Kat..I will say something if someone butts in line thought, even if it's just ' excuse me the back of the line is THERE'. I think sometimes folks don't realize that and I probably have been guilty of that too.

its better to say something poliely than stew on it later at least for me:)

hugs

Barb