Souljourn: Maybe I should just show more pictures?

Monday, September 27, 2010

Maybe I should just show more pictures?

Psalm 141:3 Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.

I hesitated to even write anything about this for a couple of reasons. First, I am well aware that I have lots of growing to do in this area and don't presume for a second to have arrived. Secondly, in the leadership role that I serve in I talk a lot (I can hear the 'amens' and see the rolled eyes). From weekend sermons to coffee appointments, leadership meetings and various decision making settings, at the end of the day I definitely feel I have used up my quota of words. This means that not only am I aware of my short comings in this area, but so are many others (but thankfully I don't think anyone actually reads this blog). That being said, I think this is an area that we need to give others more grace and ourselves not quite as much. Here are some questions I'm keeping in front of me to help me in this area. (if you answer them for yourself I'll answer them for myself)

1. When I am confronted with conflict do I respond gently? Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath

2. Is my speech always gracious? Colossians 4:6 Let your conversations always be full of grace

3. Do I actually consider unkind speech to be an evil behaviour ? 1 Peter 2:1 So get rid of all evil behaviour. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.

4. Do I base my what I say on the needs of others and what will help them or must I get my point across? Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

5. Does my communication tend to be sarcastic and cutting instead of encouraging? 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

6. Do I evaluate my speech by the worlds standards or God's? Psalm 19:14 – May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you oh God.

7. Would others say I exhibit self control in my speech? James 1:26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.