Destroyed in an Instant
Mastering Our Words
Hudson T. Armerding
Monday, November 1, 1999
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse:
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone
(Colossians 4:6). Bonus Reading: Matthew 12:33-37
Many of the sins of "the old man" concern one's use of words: "
each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor.
'In your anger do not sin.'
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger" (Ephesians 4:25-32).
Once, when I was under unrelenting pressure, a dear friend came to say hello. Though I responded to his greeting, I am sure I conveyed to him, "What do you mean interrupting my schedule when I don't have any time to see you?"
Afterward I felt obliged to write to that colleague and apologize. I had failed to recognize that I was getting too frustrated and tense and thus was vulnerable to the kind of reaction that hurt my friend. I needed to ask the Lord for grace and strength and also the determination to make corrections in my schedule. Too often we destroy in an instant what took months or years to develop because of the condition of our hearts that finds expression in our mouths and demonstration in our actions.
Hudson T. Armerding in The Heart of Godly Leadership
Personal Challenge:
Do you use fatigue or pressure to excuse abrasive language, or take responsibility for it?
Thought to Apply:
Lord, make my words gracious and tender, for tomorrow I may have to eat them!
ANONYMOUS
Credits: Adapted from--Friday: The Heart of Godly Leadership (Crossway, 1992)
1999 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity. For reprint information call 630-260-6200 or e-mail mail@menofintegrity.net.
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