Matthew 15:11 in the Message Bible states - "It's not what you swallow that polutes your life, but what you vomit up." Immediately after reading this, my thoughts went to people I have seen "vomit up" words before my eyes that made them instantly change COMPLETELY in my eyes. It was like I was suddenly seeing what was really in their heart and it was not at all pretty. It was just that - vomit. Yuk.
After that incredibly judgemental moment in my quiet time this morning *smiles* (am I the only one who has ever had one of those ever?) my thoughts went to times I have done the same thing. Opened my mouth to tear someone down before even trying to see a situation through their eyes. Maybe not in front of them, but does that matter? I think not. Other times when I have spewed complaints about my situation that I don't like... but is not God in control of that? Times when I have changed my anger and frustration about my own problems in to accusations toward my husband. (Does anyone else think the person who lives closest with you can be the easiest target?) To speak (or in this case... vomit up words) before thinking truly reveals where my heart is in a matter. It is probably the number one area that the Lord has been dealing with me about for the last 10-15 years. One thing I know I have learned is that, before I talk, if I take the time to think about the situation and try to put some God-perspective in to it, vomiting is averted.
In real life I am not one who throws up easily (hope you are not reading this on an empty stomach). I will do everything in my power to keep myself from vomiting despite having had the stomach flu several times in life and having desperate morning sickness with each pregnancy. I can still count on one hand the amount of times I have actually vomited. Lord, please help me to control the words from my mouth in the same way! To think before speaking doubt and hate and worry and accusations. To think about Your plan and perspective and love for people.
3 comments:
Wow. Great post, Sarah. Thanks for writing that. God is dealing with me on those exact, same, identical points...
Great picture . . . vomiting words!
The power of the words of my mouth is one of the first things I learned as a new Christian, but it is amazing how lazy I can get in this area. Our words are life and death . . . that's a BIG responsibility . . . and the key to many areas of our walk as a Christian. Satan would love to keep us ineffective through our words!
My prayer is always for God to allow me to see people through His eyes. However, sometimes my mouth speaks before my eyes see!
I'm taking Joyce Meyer's book, "Me and My Big Mouth," to read on the plane to Kenya and back.
Actually, our words are the key to EVERY area of our life and our walk as a Christian!
Post a Comment