It is not easy to guard our lips.
Have you ever noticed a child in a mall acting up and throwing a temper tantrum? And the mother is both surprised and embarrassed? Everyone is watching as she maintains her composure, picks the child up, looks at him, and walks away. Many people are surprised by her response but appreciate her well-composed demeanor.
The Devil is always looking for ways to get us to act out of character and usually he uses people close to us to do so. But in times of distress or when we are frustrated and overwhelmed, it is imperative that we ask God for a “well-instructed tongue” (see Isaiah 50:4). So that we know how to speak appropriately to others in any given situation or by not say anything at all!
Guard Your Lips: Be An Example
The word of God tells us expressively, “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” (Proverbs 13:3) “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” (Proverbs 21:23) “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)
The mother mentioned earlier could have blown up and fussed at her child. But instead, she made the conscious decision not to. May we follow her example and the word of God. So that we are better representatives of God and more kindly affectionate towards others.
No, it isn’t easy and all of us fall short at times, more so than we care to admit. But with the grace and help of the our Heavenly Father, we can do it!
So, as we start every day, let this be our prayer:
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)