Sunday, May 20, 2012

Use Scripture To Take Tongue

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. -- James 2:19-21

How many of you have ever said something, then wished you could take those words back? Let’s see a show of hands. Yeah. Just what I thought. Everyone has done that a time or two or three.

The other day something happened that just infuriated me. Truly. The sheer arrogance of someone making plans that involved me without so much as checking to see if it would be okay just really upset me. To make matters worse, I did have plans that also involved a number of other people. The person’s solution? Just tell them to reschedule.

I wanted to tell that person what I really thought. I wanted to cut her down and put her in her proper place. I wanted to do and say a number of things. I didn’t. Instead, I went for a walk and tattled on her to God.

Then I started doing something I’ve done a number of times when I’ve been really upset. I started quoting a favorite piece of Scripture. Over and over and over again. Like a soothing balm, the words eventually calmed me. They didn’t take away the issue but I felt stronger and better able to deal with it.

I’ve been reading the rough draft of a book a dear friend is writing. She talks about filling our minds and our souls with Scripture. I know. All of us tend to run away when it comes to memorizing anything but especially God’s Word. It just seems so hard, especially for those of us who are getting a little older.

Yet, she’s right. When we carry God’s Word in our hearts, it fills our thoughts and directs our actions. We can more quickly turn negative thoughts into positive or problems into solutions because we know what God has to say about it all.

Another friend still sometimes gets nervous late at night. This widow has learned to quote Scripture in her mind until she falls asleep, knowing that her Savior is by her side. The words remind her that she is safe in God’s loving arms.

James tells us to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Scripture helps us remember, taming tongues and attitudes before they do or say something that can’t be undone.