Did that really just come out of my mouth?

March 5, 2014: Did that really just come out of my mouth? Please “Share” this link to a new Precious Prodigal Blog Post: http://bit.ly/1cC5WDk

Psalm 141:3 "Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips."

Driving home from Anniston yesterday, Harry and I saw a church sign that first made us laugh and then made us think. We were so impressed by it that we turned around and went back to get a picture. It wasn’t some super-spiritual, profound statement, and it didn’t even quote a Scripture reference. However, it was, as the Brits say, “spot on” as far as being a simple, basic truth. What did it say? “A closed mouth gathers no foot.”

I have a prayer journal, and I write down both the petitions I take to God and His answers when they come. Some of those petitions are specific and, when God meets that need or answers that prayer, I write the answer that came and highlight both the request and the answer in yellow. However, some things are daily needs that I take before the Lord knowing I cannot do what I need to do without His strength. One of those things I ask God to do daily is to set a guard on my lips. That church sign reminded me I need to do that because “the tongue can no man tame.” (James 3:8)

As I thought about the ways I can and sometimes do offend with my mouth, several things came to mind. The first is that I so often speak impatiently. Sometimes I get so task or outcome oriented that I forget I’m working with and dealing with real people with real feelings. I don’t mean I call people ugly names or say derogatory things to them…that’s a whole ‘nother issue. It often isn’t what I say, but how I say it. And although I don’t say mean-spirited things, I still sometimes speak harshly or at least impatiently and blame it on being rushed, having a deadline, being burdened, or just having a bad day.

The people who read my blog are usually those who are indeed having a bad day. There tend to be a lot of those when you love a prodigal. We know about sleepless nights and unceasing worry during the day. What little patience we may have has usually been strained to the breaking point. Unfortunately, the people I’m impatient with are usually the people I love most. Although they are quick to forgive me when I apologize, I have to wonder if the hurt takes longer to forget.

So what’s the answer? For me, it’s reminding myself that God expects me to be “gentle, showing meekness unto all men.” (Titus 3:2). “All men” means everyone, including the person and in spite of the circumstances that are making my life crazy. That isn’t easy, so it also means asking God to set a guard on my mouth..

Challenge for Today: Can you, just for today, listen to yourself as you speak to others so you’ll be aware of what you’re saying and how you’re saying it? Can you ask God to set a guard on your mouth?