Tumbling Words
November 23rd, 2009Monday’s Reflection
O LORD, SOMETIMES I say things before I think.
In my frustration, words tumble out, and I wish I could take them back.
Today I cry out in private prayer.
Help me control my tongue.
Old age gives no license for prejudice or self-righteous pride.
Forgive me when I am puffed up in arrogance,
thinking I’ve earned the right to be sharp and severe.
When my words are harsh or hurtful, convict my critical spirit.
Replace gossip or sarcasm with words that soothe and build up.
Put kindness on my lips and sensitivity in my heart
for every neighbor, caregiver, employee, and family member.
I want to be a pleasure to be around, even if others are not.
Let my tongue be an instrument to bring you glory.
- Missy Buchanan
Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body
From p. 63 of Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body by Missy Buchanan. Copyright © 2008 by the author. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission of Upper Room Books. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Advent begins on November 29, 2009. Consider the new book, The Uncluttered Heart by Beth A. Richardson, as a part of your Advent discipline this year. Purchase your copy today. Join Beth for daily conversation at unclutteredheart.org.
Today’s Question
Share your thoughts about today’s quote. Visit the comments area and join the discussion.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Remember, O Lord, your kindness and constant love which you have shown from long ago.
- Psalm 25:6, GNT
This Week …
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November 23rd, 2009 at 2:30 am
I take no issue with the admonishments of today’s quote… to speak without thinking is disaster; old age gives no license.
I do add though… old age does give the experience to have settled upon one’s beliefs, and the wisdom to understand that sometimes more harm is done when one does not speak.
November 23rd, 2009 at 3:06 am
I was given a 3 question test for what I say.
1. Is it true?
2. Is it necessary?
3. Would I like the same thing said about me?
If I don’t take the time to test my words then I try to be just as fast saying that I am wrong or I’m sorry. And my prayer is a combination of psalms; Set a watch before my mouth (141:3) and may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord… (19:14)
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:26 am
Roberta – thanks for sharing those three questions, and the verses. Indeed Psalm 19:14 – the meditation of my heart…unfortunately that is where my sarcasm and critical spirit is formed. Father, purify my heart, create in me a clean heart. One that glorifies You – one that carefully guards my words. Father, might I be a builder-upper today, not a negative tear-aparter. We will start with today.
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:08 am
I like the 3-question test, too. I’ll have to try to remember that, as this is certainly a problem for me, especially within my family. Why is it that I feel free to say things to my family that I would never dream of saying to anyone else?
A recent Emmaus team I served on had a brilliant approach to this problem: a roll of duct tape for each of us. We were encouraged to apply “Holy Duct Tape” whenever we felt the temptation to criticize or snark or complain–anything that failed to build up our sisters in Christ. Silly, but it worked!
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:17 am
Rotary has a four-way test: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? And will it be beneficial to all concerned?
There is one slight problem here, however, in my opinion.
I believe there are still prophets in the world today, and prophets cannot always be concerned with goodwill and friendships. And in the immediate picture, their words certainly may not appear to be beneficial to all concerned– or even anyone concerned, including the prophet. (Read Jeremiah or Elijah’s story– or even Jonah’s.)
Emmaus communities practice accountability in Reunion groups or whatever your community calls them. John Wesley called them bands. Point: First and foremost must come truth to God’s word. There is a difference between speaking the truth in love (which still might sting if it is unwelcomed) and snarking, criticizing and complaining.
Dave speaks of the experience (and supposed wisdom) of age; I would speak also of the duty as Christians to speak with a prophetic voice in the world, always with love but always in truth.
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:41 am
This spoke to me this morning. I ’slip up’ still even though I have changed my life and have given it over to my Savior Jesus Christ.
But, my biggest problem is still my tongue. I have ‘knee jerk’ reactions to certain people and certain problems.
The difference nowadays is this: When I do get angry, have bad thoughts, or say a bad word, the Holy Spirit whispers in my ear and makes me immediately aware of what I’m doing wrong.
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:33 am
All very helpful to me– the gift, the purpose and responsibiliy of speech and listening. I realize that some words spoken are harsh but reflect the speaker often and not me. Helps me not take personally when appropriate and to respond to the issue. Often I speak to the tone behind the words to clarify the message further for me. Sometimes people apologize, sometimes not. I also find the sooner I deal with an issue the less likely it will escalate. Still practicing, blow it but not as much these days.
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:20 pm
This is not just a problem with old age. This is a problem with everyone. I am so guilty of speaking first. I was raised with the admonishment of “if you can’t say something nice. say nothing at all”. But I forget this daily. Lord, I pray the old prayer of “put one arm around my shoulder and a hand over my mouth!!”. Thank you Lord for your continued patience with me, your work in progress.
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:19 pm
I try to remember the Lord hears my words and sees my heart–sometimes I actually remember–but more often I fail.
My prayer is to have a pure heart, the Lord’s heart within me. I am so far from this it saddens me. Yet I am encouraged that He will not leave me when I fall–He helps me up and we begin again.