"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
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!
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