There are times in my time in the Word that the Lord leads me to re-read Proverbs 31 for what seems the millionth time. However, each time I read it, something different stands out to me. Today it was verse 26: "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."
Let me just say that I WANT that to be true about me...but it's not. Or, I should say, a lot of the time it's not. I'm so quick to speak! Which, of course, doesn't always lead to the most glorifying or edifying sentences or conversations. I'm so thankful for the Lord's grace and mercy in this area!
Let me just say that I WANT that to be true about me...but it's not. Or, I should say, a lot of the time it's not. I'm so quick to speak! Which, of course, doesn't always lead to the most glorifying or edifying sentences or conversations. I'm so thankful for the Lord's grace and mercy in this area!
So my prayer today was that I would slow down and really think things over and decide if they're worth saying.
Well, I'd say that I (note: with the Lord's reminders...) did pretty well for the majority of the day, but there were a couple of times that I just wanted to kick myself.
Well, I'd say that I (note: with the Lord's reminders...) did pretty well for the majority of the day, but there were a couple of times that I just wanted to kick myself.
One time in particular I spoke harshly to someone that I love. I realized my error as soon as I finished speaking, but it took me a full 15 minutes to be obedient to the Holy Spirit's prompting to apologize.
Isn't that so crazy?! Why do I do that?? Ugh.
Anyway, I went to the person and actually referenced Proverbs 31:26 in my apology.
(By the way, I'm not quite sure why I'm posting this... Maybe someone needs encouragement in this area.)
Isn't that so crazy?! Why do I do that?? Ugh.
Anyway, I went to the person and actually referenced Proverbs 31:26 in my apology.
(By the way, I'm not quite sure why I'm posting this... Maybe someone needs encouragement in this area.)
I guess I'd just like to remind the reader of what is said at the beginning of 2 Corinthians 7: "Having therefore these promises (2 Cor. 6:18), dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
Some people may look at the word "perfect" and see it as meaning "flawless" or "complete", but I believe that it would be rightly translated here as "mature". So, with that in mind, that verse COULD read like this:
Since we have these promises (that the Lord will be our Father, and we will be His children if we seperate ourselves from unrighteousness, darkness, etc.), dearly beloved, let us wash ourselves clean from ALL filthiness of the flesh AND spirit, maturing in holiness in the fear of God.
Since we have these promises (that the Lord will be our Father, and we will be His children if we seperate ourselves from unrighteousness, darkness, etc.), dearly beloved, let us wash ourselves clean from ALL filthiness of the flesh AND spirit, maturing in holiness in the fear of God.
So, while it's technically true to say, "Well, Christians aren't perfect! Just forgiven!", most people use it as a cop-out for living in sin! Jesus is the only one who lived a perfect (flawless) life here on this earth, BUT! we should be growing to be more and more like Him as each day goes by!
You know how with friends you gradually start to use the same phrases, enunciate words the same way, or even have similar laughs? THAT is how it should be with the Lord! By spending time with Him in His Word and in prayer, we pick up His attributes.
You know how with friends you gradually start to use the same phrases, enunciate words the same way, or even have similar laughs? THAT is how it should be with the Lord! By spending time with Him in His Word and in prayer, we pick up His attributes.
So...as I follow my steps back to where this blog post began...I should be growing more like Him.
Which gives me hope as far as Proverbs 31:26 goes!
Which gives me hope as far as Proverbs 31:26 goes!
There was never a word spoken by Jesus that shouldn't have been.
My prayer is that, as I continue to walk with Him, I'll pick up His way of speaking.
My prayer is that, as I continue to walk with Him, I'll pick up His way of speaking.
May your day be blessed and may you walk closer to Him today...
1 comment:
My sweet sister,
Thank you for these encouraging and true words. The sentence, "There was never a word spoken by Jesus that shouldn't have been," brought me to a stop. I'm putting that up on my bathroom mirror!
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