My first grade the teacher, Miss Boyce, took me into the cloakroom and gave me a paddling.
Embarrassed, I ducked my head, pushed my chair back from the desk, and followed my teacher’s command to meet her in the cloakroom. The narrow space with hooks lined up along the wall and the tall window at the end provided a somber backdrop for my impending doom.
And then . . .
Miss Boyce, my 1st-grade teacher, gave me a paddling. Why? For talking. Whether her disciplinary measure altered my behavior going forward remains questionable.
However, what Miss Boyce did not accomplish in my childhood, the Holy Spirit tenderly works toward in the years hence; my learning curve continues. For instance, when a particular caller ID sets off a raw nerve within, a Gentle Prompt moves me to prayerfully turn my speech over to the guidance of the Holy Spirit before answering, rather than depending on my fickle emotions.
2 pivotal thoughts provide ongoing direction:
Rarely is one sorry for something not said.
On the contrary, hastily spoken words manufacture grief. “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise” (Proverbs 10:19).
2. God’s Word offers guidelines for growth in spiritual speech therapy.
Consistently, the best training comes from the Bible itself.
“. . . Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).
“He who would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil . . .” (1 Peter 3:10).
“Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21).
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue guards his soul from troubles” (Proverbs 21:23).
Now, though long past 1st grade, my schooling continues. What about you?
Living With Eternal Intentionality® Intimacy with Jesus, authenticity with others, a passion for your calling, a purpose for your influence
When recently did you wish you could take back your words?
How has God used His Scriptures to change your habits of speech?
