"Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless." ... James 1:26
*****
Here's something I stopped saying a few years ago:
"With my luck" (and similar-sounding, doubt-filled phrases).
You know,
"With my luck, the supermarket will be out of what I need."
"With the way things are going, I'll forget to ______"
"Knowing me, I'll trip once I get up on stage."
"With my luck, it will rain all during our vacation."
"After what we've been through lately, I just know there'll be a ton of traffic so we'll be late."
Nope, not going to those places anymore. I mean, why? And why use that 'probably' word?
"She probably won't like me."
"I'll probably run out of money."
"I'll probably catch his cold."
"I'll probably never get the _____ I really want."
Not going there, either. (But oh my, sometimes when I'm cranky it's hard to stay away from those places!)
Our words matter to God. And since our tongues are like rudders on a ship (James 3:4), why steer our lives into storms or ditches we could have avoided?
Since the power of Life and Death are in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21), why choose Death and annoying places?
Even amongst some Christians there exists an Our Words Are No Big Deal Club. I'm not in that club and it's ok.
I'm an outcast of many clubs and I do not mind. Honest. I'd rather stand alone, happy, than in a crowd, miserable.
******
"Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them." ... Proverbs 29:20
"Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them." ... Proverbs 29:20
"The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." ... Luke 6:45
By your words you will be justified, by your words you'll be condemned." ... Matthew 12:37
"Handle them carefully, for words have more power than an atom bomb." --Pearl Strachan
"Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny." ... Frank Outlaw
*****
Free Kindle books as of today, June 8th:
A Lady in Defiance
Christmas Spirit (Angel Paws Holiday)
Mediterranean Diet: How I Lost 173 Pounds ...
"Handle them carefully, for words have more power than an atom bomb." --Pearl Strachan
"Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny." ... Frank Outlaw
*****
Free Kindle books as of today, June 8th:
A Lady in Defiance
Christmas Spirit (Angel Paws Holiday)
Mediterranean Diet: How I Lost 173 Pounds ...
Debra, you're speaking truth. I just finished reading and commentingP on your previous post. Life is often difficult. Many suffer greatly. Grief is not a sin, but I believe staying griefstricken does us more harm than good. At the present, both of my adult children are suffering losses, and I have to admit that I find myself grieving these losses to our family. However, I dry my tears and I refuse to believe that all is lost. God always has a plan for our good. I simply must choose to take His path for me, and trust in Him. Keep on telling the truth, Debra. It's the only thing that will bring ultimate freedom.
ReplyDeleteI like this post and your choosing to avoid those negative phrases. One extra blessing of attending church (I am going there in a minute) is that it surrounds us with "good words" and phrases to think about all during the week. Bless your heart, I like your thinking.
ReplyDeleteI am horrified at a lll the times you hear OMG. It has become common. I even saw it used on a huge bill board a while back. So sad. I try to stop myself from saying lucky. I do not believe in luck. Yet it is hard to eliminate at times form my speech. We are blessed...luck has nothing to do with anything. That Frank Outlaw quote sure is a good one. I know I have found that to say nothing is often so much better than anything that would have come out of my mouth if I had actually talked. So often I am soooo glad I did not talk as see I would have been so wrong if I had ! Sarah
ReplyDeleteWords. I am a word person. Say what you mean. Mean what you say. Words can be hurtful or helpful and yes they influence your mind.
ReplyDelete"let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, oh God, my strength and my Redeemer."
Jan