On a Saturday afternoon, while the girls played soccer, I became frustrated watching them lose. My opinion was half the girls on the team did not care about the game. Afterwards, I was talking with another woman and asked her some questions about the coach. She replied very patiently, “He is my husband”. UGHHH… in that moment conviction flooded over me. The ugliness in my heart was steering my tongue’s words. I was very thankful my words did not go beyond questions and God shut my mouth instantly for my heart had other things to say.
God was very gracious to give me a warning before anything else flowed from my lips. I believe that is because recently, I started asking God to really close my mouth from JUST talking. I do have a habit of sharing my opinions, at times that probably should stay far away from any conversation. Maybe you have felt this way and ask, “HOW AM I EVER GOING TO CHANGE?” Holding my tongue is so hard.
So often I have justified my venting saying “Well, I have to vent, that is part of getting it off my chest and out of my mind”. The problem with the statement is I have found NO place in the bible where God says to spew it on someone else. The verse I did find caused me to be convicted about my tongue. Proverbs 10:19 says, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise”. Sadly, I fall into the category of “when words are many”.
Please know, this is not a bragging or God forgives me or whatever attitude. I am truly convicted and wrestling with this as I walk through this process of getting out of the habit of being a fool “Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin”, Proverbs 10:14 says. I want to be known as a wise woman. Not just for knowing scripture, but for living it out in my actions. I want to be known as a woman after God’s heart that He will be evident in and through my words and actions.
I am not perfect. Scripture tells me I am not good and never will be. BUT, (this is big so pay attention!), because, Jesus died on the cross for me; a new opportunity was in front of me. He chased after me and because of His love for me, I chose him, to walk with Him and live for Him. With this choice, came a new life and one that is eternal. An overnight change does not occur. For the rest of my days on earth, Jesus will be moving in my heart and helping me to become more like Him. It is NOT in my power, but HIS that this will happen. In Galatians 5:22. Paul shares a big truth “BUT the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control”. It does not say the fruit of Mindy. I, natural Mindy, CAN NOT and WILL NOT be able to change. ONLY God can transform this human heart and tongue into one that is loving, gentle, patient, good and kind.
The challenge is for me to be before Him daily and read His word. Psalm 119:1-3 “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are they who keep your statues and seek him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways”. For me to be blameless and wise I must be before God, in His word, learning what is says. I want to become discerning and more aware of what flows from my tongue. The journey ahead is a long one. Will you join me on this road? Will you link arms with me so we can encourage one another as Paul tells us in Colossians 3:12-17 “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”
I want to be someone who brings healing, not wounds; restores not ruins; lifts up instead of tearing down and that will only come from God above. Father above, guard my mouth today as I go into this world. Help me to be sensitive to your voice that I will hear you before speaking a word. Fill me with your Spirit that I will be an encourager to others. Thank you Lord for hearing my prayer. I love you, your child.
armslinkingarms 