from Lenae, GEMS Training Manager
Speak
Your Mind
There is a time for everything, and a season
for every activity under heaven: a time to be silent and a time to speak.
Ecclesiastes
3:1, 7b
Today’s social media provides multiple
platforms for people to speak their mind. Blogs, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter,
Pinterest, and more have created instant access and opportunities to say what
you want, when you want, to whomever you want.
Maybe you’ve heard or even said, “I’ve
got to get this off my chest” or “I have to speak my mind.” Whether you’re on
break with your co-workers or texting your sister, God has a word about our
words! He desires that we make our minds mind before we go public and speak our
mind.
Think:
Should I speak or be silent? Timing
is everything. There is a time to be
silent and a time to speak (Ecclesiastes 3:7b). Is your goal to be heard
and to prove you’re right? Or do you have the mind of Christ that does nothing
out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility considers others
better than yourself? (Philippians 2:3)
Think
before you speak. Listen
with big ears and a closed mouth. Everyone
should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James
1:19). Pray for discernment. Respond with love and wisdom. As you speak keep
Proverbs 10:19 in the forefront of your mind: When words are many, sin is not absent, but he (she) who holds his (her) tongue is wise.
Think
before you choose silence. Why
are you keeping silent? Is it because what you were thinking about is stinkin’
thinkin’? If so, good choice! If your zipped lips are due to fear of people
instead of your fear of God, think again. Ask with Paul, Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying
to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant
of Christ (Galatians 1:10).
Think
Philippians 4:8. Is what
I’m going to post, pin, text or tweet true, noble, right, pure, lovely,
admirable, excellent and praiseworthy? If not, there’s a button on your
keyboard for that. It’s called delete.
David’s prayer continues to be right and
good for the words in our minds and from our lips. May it be our daily prayer,
too. May the words of my mouth and the
meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my
Redeemer (Psalm 19:14).
Think
on it: What’s on your
mind right now? What would be most pleasing to God if you choose to speak or be
silent?
Hope
leaves an aftertaste of encouragement; fear leaves an aftertaste of doubt. Our
words linger in people’s lives.
Bob Goff
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