Really heard it preached.
Have you heard it preached? You think so?
Then why didn't you tell me?
Somewhere in the middle of the chapter, it dawned on me...no, wait...He illumined me about what it really means to tame the tongue. To edify others with my words. To minister grace to the hearer.
I get it.
And you know what? It's hard. It's hard to leave off a lifetime's worth of conduct--a jarring and funny phrase; the upper hand in a debate; the desire to be right and the need to make sure everyone within earshot knows it.
I thought I had found a new way of being when I was born again 11 years ago. I thought that because I left off profane speech and tried to be cautious and aware of the tendency to gossip, that I was o.k. But alas--there is yet more work to be done.
I must be slow to speak in order to break these bad habits. I must--every hour, it seems--pray that the Spirit sent me by my Lord would be quicker than me, teaching me a new way to express
I must learn to trust that the Holy Spirit is big enough, and smart enough and powerful enough to do His work without my very human intervention.
I must learn how to let love cover a multitude of sins. And let me tell you...for a person who is more often than not, dis-gust-ed, by the societal norms of our day, this is going to be a work of the Lord for which I will have no room to boast!
Oh, see...there I go again.
So, Lord willing, "frank" won't be an adjective used to describe me any longer if I'm successful in my pursuit to glorify God this way.
I don't need to be specific. I don't need to be relevant. I don't need to be topical. I don't need to be blunt or abrupt.
What I need, it turns out, is to be....silent. I must decrease that He may increase.
Because more than anything, I want people to want Christ. I want to get out of the way so that He may be seen.
And I have no idea how I'm going to do any of it, but the Lord knows.
15 comments:
Wow!
Once again well put and much food for thought.
How wonderful that the Lord has revealed this to you! We all know how hard it is to control our tongues. I pray that the Lord helps you every moment with your desire to let HIM be glorified!
Your blog entry is a great devotional for me that I need to read everyday. I have had Col. 3 memorized for about 9 years, but I have never had these insights to it before. I am excited for you! Thanks for sharing.
Alison from Dallas
We've been studying about the tongue around here lately, but not from that passage. Hmm. I'll have to go give that one a read.
Oh and we've discussed some things along this topic too--but without as much illumination on my part. But now I think I should think on these things more...
Amen! I've been feeling the way you've described ever since I read last week that I'll have to give an account of every idle word I speak. Yikes!
It's in you... I see it; quiet, Christ-like... I love the *frank*, but this decreasing so He may increase- yes! Me, too, Lord...
I will pray for you in this, friend. (((you)))
Beautiful. So thankful when He speaks - and teaches and instructs. Thanks so much for sharing His workings in your life with us - in so doing you have edified and built up. Thanks for the words of challange. You once again have blessed my heart.
Praying for you - Thanking God for you,
~Martie
Oh, and aren't you just where God wants you to be? Completely helpless. He is so faithful to provide for what He calls you to.
May your mouth drip with the milk and honey of the Promised Land.
Deb
From one "frank" sister to another:
Thank you. Much food for thought here and I accept the conviction that this post has brought.
Can I ditto what Terry said?
Lately, I have been wondering how in the world my daughter has "acquired" some tongue-tendencies that I rather her not have in her possession. Then, the Holy Spirit whispers to me and I am convicted of the very. same. things.
Going to read Col. 3 now and pray for continuing conviction...
"I must learn to trust that the Holy Spirit is big enough, and smart enough and powerful enough to do His work without my very human intervention."
oooOOOUUCH! This was SO good (the entire post that is).
I agree with Heather--that is the part that stung me the most. Oh, how I feel the need to tell my wonderful husband all the ways he is wrong. I mean, if I don't tell him, how on earth will he know!?!? To relinquish 'perfecting' Hubby over to God has been a struggle all 11 years of my marriage, including today.
That is only ONE area of many in which my tongue is rebelling against God. Need I mention this is an area in which I need prayer?
Amazing post.
A nice reminder. I must listen to you about listening to Him!
Thanks for the reminder,kick, whatever! I can relate. Especially as my opinion and world views are always correct; wherease others.....
Thanks!
Yes, Robin...the Holy Spirit is speaking this necessity in my life as well.
This is one of several reasons that I took the summer off of blogging (well, except for minor updates.)
It is my prayer that He will be glorified, and not me. I was also smacked by the recent realization that as a Christian grows, she should reflect more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness...you know... and not more opinion, more condemnation.
It is difficult...so I am silent more. That is GOOD, though, for now, until I understand more how to apply this. As you said, I don't desire to lose any of my firm foundation, nor my stand for God's TRUTH...and yes, the world that surrounds appalls me...
But I am praying that what I speak will be with His truth, His love, His conviction.
Love,
Holly
p.s.
Congratulations to your eldest! YAY!
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