Right On The Tip Of My Tongue...

"Four things come not back. 

The spoken word, the sped arrow, the past life, and the neglected opportunity". 

--Saudi Arabian Proverb

This week I am writing two talks for an upcoming Women's conference, both on the power of Words.

As a speaker I am always confronted by the material I prepare for a talk, but perhaps none more than these! 
Especially so as I read these sobering words written directly to me in James 3:1

"Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly".

As part of my teaching application I intend to set the conferees a little 'talk test' for the week. A test I aim to complete myself...

When I look at the challenge before me I am saddened to realise that this may just about be the hardest test I may ever attempt; and doesn't that speak volumes about the condition of the human heart and the words that flow forth from it!  

I have been reminded of the words of Matthew who says- “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt 12:34b).

So here is the test...

The Tongue Test:

1. do not complain or grumble

2. do not boast about anything at all

3. do not gossip or REPEAT bad information about someone else

4. do not run somebody down, even a little bit

5. do not defend or excuse yourself no matter what

6. do always affirm other people

As I get going, I do so praying the words of David in Psalm 141-

 “set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; 

keep the door of my lips. 

Incline not my heart to any evil thing” 

(3-4a).

Amen!