It wasn't that long ago that my wife was in the clubhouse
that houses her real estate office in the community in which she sells. One of
the residents in the community had passed away a few days before and after his
funeral, the family was being fed and cared for in the clubhouse. Many friends
and family were milling around, sharing their sorrow over the loss of this
loved one; but one gentlemen's voice rose above all others…not just because of
the volume, but also because of the vulgar expletives that were peppered
throughout each sentence.
I am continually amazed by the speech I hear this days,
particularly in public places. In the days of my youth, if you hit your thumb
with a sledge hammer, a curse word just might leak out of the pain…but it was a
short outburst, typically followed by a round of apologies to all those within
earshot.
In our society today, it seems that anything is permissible,
even if there are women and children present…and too often, the women are just as
involved in this abhorrent language as the men.
Our speech has become all too casual and unencumbered by the
dictates of social constraints…and it seems that such a mindset has also
invaded our prayers. We used to bow and pray in humbleness and reverence, but
because we have been led to believe that God is just a good, old grandpa; ever
waiting to dole out our next request, we have become careless and indifferent
in our manners and in our prayers.
The wise King Solomon warned us, "Do not be quick with your words, do not be hasty in your heart to
utter anything before God." Ecclesiastes 5:2 Even Jesus rebuked the religious hypocrites of
his age for their many words uttered to impress God with their religiosity….it
has never been about how many words you utter that captures the attention and
the ear of God; it is the contrite heart that is being laid open and bare
before the throne that draws a merciful God near to those that He loves.
In Hebrews 4:16, God encourages us to come before His throne
with boldness and confidence, but never in carelessness. Our words are
incredible instruments when laid before a righteous and holy God. Maybe we
would all do well to remember this when we enter our "prayer
closet"….
SURELY GOD HAS MORE IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND DIRECTION TO
SHARE WITH US THAN WE HAVE TO SHARE WITH HIM…Yes, God cares about your needs
and even your desires, but He also wants us to listen to His desires that will draw
us into the center of His will…both are extremely important to anyone who loves
the Lord and wants to be a good and faithful servant.
So, today, WHEN you pray, remember this simple statement by
John Bunyan…
When you pray, rather
let your heart be without words than your words be without heart!
Reverently listening more… obediently speaking less,
WPQ
Poem for the day....
As we live each day we
must be careful
When we open our mouths
and speak....
The words that we may
utter
Will not make us seem
petty and weak.
It is hard to believe that
our tongue
Can be our ruling Master;
But it's the words we
often utter
That can lead us to
disaster.
How can it be the same
mouth that speaks
Never ending praises
to the Lamb;
Can spew forth such
sordid speech
When faced with a
precarious jam?
Yes, it is only by the
grace of God
And a heart set on purity....
That shows the world
how to live a life
Without a mouth filled
with vulgarities.
WPQ © August 2018
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