Prepare to Stop – Think First

Shelley | Posted on November 3, 2020 |

I did it again. I communicated thoughtlessly. Sometimes having the “gift of gab” isn’t really a gift. My mind produces an endless stream of words. I frequently process them “out loud.” More often than not, I would do better to keep them to myself. Maybe that’s why I enjoy writing in my journal so much these days. It is a safe place to sort out and to reflect first, before those thoughts affect others. I wish I could say all of my words are fit to be expressed, but ….

James 3:5-10 spells out the reality of the tongue, and it is convicting. It ends this way: “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be” (vv 9-10 NIV).

Yes, that sounds like me. I want to write and speak words of encouragement, but so often the opposite is true. That’s, in part, because I forget that, like me, all human beings are image-bearers of God, therefore harsh, inconsiderate, or careless statements aimed at others are striking those whom God values.

According to Scripture, the problem runs much deeper than that. It is a heart condition. A passage that records Jesus’ teaching reveals the root of the problem, “Good people do good things because of the good in their hearts. Bad people do bad things because of the evil in their hearts. Your words show what is in your heart” (Luke 6:45CEV).

This is hard but essential truth. I am reminded that if I want to build others up, I need to remedy my heart situation. The only way to do that is to ask God to forgive me and to change me. Only He can do the altering and restoring work that results in a good heart. While that is happening, there is something I can be doing – Think before I speak!

My mother once gave me a sign similar to the yellow caution signs seen along roadways. It said “Engage brain before putting mouth in gear.” It was one of the most loving gifts she could have given to me. I no longer have it, but I need to mindfully pass by that sign every day. It warns me to be thoughtful. When I practice thoughtfulness, I pause to consider the person and the impact of my words. I remember that others are greatly valued by God, which means I need to edit or maybe even revise what I was about to say or write (think text or social media).

For those times when I engage my mouth before my brain is in gear, I know that swift apologies are necessary. The length of time that has passed since the inconsiderate or hurtful words were issued does not matter. As soon as I realize my error, I need to acknowledge I was wrong – without excuse. “I am sorry” are some of the most wrongly used and underused words in our culture today. They are too often spoken in dismissal of oneself, and too rarely issued in humble regret.

Prepare to stop and think first. Be thoughtful with your words today.

Road Sign Series – Part 2