I find myself in a state of failure more often than I would like. The same things tend to trip me up over and over. I'm fully aware of what will cause me to fall, but instead of avoiding that thing, I just careen over the edge...again.
I am learning who God has created me to be. Thankfully, it's not the person I've been most of my life. I really struggle with being opinionated and speaking my mind with little regard to the consequences of doing so. I say what I'm thinking and feeling instead of praying about it. This causes problems, friends.
Wise Old Solomon had a lot to say about this (and my comments will be in parentheses).
Proverbs 8:8, "All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse."
(I'm pretty sure I can't say this without lying...)
Proverbs 10:11, "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked."
(How often do my words bring life?)
Proverbs 10:19, "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."
(I just keep talking and talking and talking and digging a bigger and bigger hole.)
Proverbs 11:9, "With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape."
(I've destroyed my neighbor far too often with my mouth, however, thankfully, God has let me have knowledge of this and provided a way out!)
Proverbs 15:28, "The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil."
(Hmmm...weighing answers instead of just gushing...too true too often).
Proverbs 16:23, "A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction."
(To be wise means that your mouth is guided not unbridled and free to say anything.)
Proverbs 21:23, "He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity."
(Yikes. I bring a lot of calamity on myself with my own tongue.)
I know I'm not alone in this struggle. But as Jesus' brother teaches--no one can tame their tongue. I'm guessing that this is something our Father has to do for us. He's working on it. I have to submit to His transforming work.
So, with that, I must apologize to my husband who is the unfortunate recipient of many of my words. Sorry, babe. Forgive me and my stinkin' mouth. I love you. Victory is in sight. I will get it, and I will change (because He said He would complete what He started--Philippians 1:6).
And to you, dear readers, you've put up with my verbosity. I pray my words will bring life and healing to you not destruction or division. Forgive me if I've discouraged you. Be encouraged today that God is still in the business of purifying and transforming us into His likeness.
Oh, Amanda. I have suffered from this vice for as long as I can remember. And one of the most unfortunate realities for me was that I was so late in life in realizing it. I have hurt so many with my quick and sharp words. I was only concerned with what I thought was right and my ultimate end.
ReplyDeleteI strive everyday to work toward what I consider a powerful silence. I always think of Conrad Shumaker from UCA. His words were few, but they always built up instead of tore down. I think we speak out of fear and hurt and jealousy and lots of other things. At least I know I do.
But don't worry! You are not alone in this! Keep up the conscientious work!
You're definitely not alone. Walk with conviction and motivation, but not condemnation. You are a beautiful soul with much life and peace to give (and have given). I think to be a woman is to struggle with these issues.
ReplyDeleteFor me, when I'm stressed I want to just talk endlessly about it. One of the most important things I could ever do is to pray about it, and somehow in my mind I think that's practically what I'm doing (though I know I'm not).
You're precious...don't believe otherwise!