THINKING AND SPEAKING

THINKING AND SPEAKING
Technically, we do think before we speak and we do think as we speak. You don't say what you don't think. This is why self discipline is essential to godly behavior.

Sometimes I play a game that requires me to align various shapes and colors (POP CAPS, "BEJEWELED BLITZ"). I get a certain number of points for aligning three objects, or a higher number of points for aligning 4 objects and a higher number of points for aligning 5 objects.

Sometimes I align three objects, just as I am seeing the possibility for four or five objects. My first words to myself are, "I didn't want to do that." But the fact is, I did want "to do that." (I am not referring to an accidental click, but an actual choice.) I am not happy with the choice, or with the consequences of my choice, but it was the choice I wanted, at that moment. I regret my choice, but it was my choice. Immediately I see that a slight hesitation in my action would have helped me make a better decision, but it is too late. I did what I wanted to do, and I cannot change it.

Terrible crimes are committed because people do what they want to do, in a split moment. Relationships are weakened and destroyed because people do or say what they want to in an unguarded moment. In the next moment, and for a lifetime, they regret what they did, but they did what they wanted to do. It may have been contrary to their normal behavior, it may have been contrary to their basic principles, but THEY DID WHAT THEY WANTED TO DO AT THAT MOMENT.

Lesser offenses are committed also. Unkind deeds, or unkind words might hurt someone. But a hair trigger response or snappy comeback is like a bullet that leaves the barrel, it cannot be recalled, like a bell that has been struck, it cannot be un-rung.

Some people pride themselves in saying or doing what they think, as if lack of self control and lack of wisdom and lack of compassion are praiseworthy, or they think that undisciplined and unkind rantings and actions are excusable. Or they think that it is not their fault that people are "too sensitive," or that people "do not understand." Insensitive and unkind people blame other people for their own offensive behavior. They see no need to repent, no need to make restitution, no need to take steps of reconciliation. They leave a wake of hurt and damage, as they sail off into their paradise of self absorption.

This is something that anyone can do, on the spur of the moment, in a weak moment. But if we offend, either because we are careless or because we acted on impulse rather than with wisdom, we need to accept responsibility and we need to do the right thing for the people we have wronged.

God wants us to put a guard at our mouth and in our heart.
Psalms 19:14
(14) Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Regardless of our relationship with God, we all need to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Co. 10:5).

I know y'all have seen this on a poster, but it is worth repeating.

THINK before you speak.
Is it True?
Is it Helpful?
Is it Inspiring?
Is it Necessary?
Is it Kind?

If these are not guiding principles in your life, you are misguided.