God has a way of keeping me humble. Whenever I start to get “self-righteous” in my thinking, God has a way of sending me simple reminders that this process is not about me. I recently did something, actually a few things that I am not proud of. I am typically not a jealous person, but someone got something and I didn’t initially get any, and I became jealous in my mind. My reaction actually surprised me – as I’d like to think – I don’t believe I should be jealous of others when they get or have things that I don’t have. It actually turned out that the thing belonged to me. I was ashamed at my initial reaction.
The next thing that happened was that I said something that I had no business saying. While it might have been true, it was not my place to point out. Are the consequences to me serious? Probably not. I just realized that once I said it, there was no way for me to take it back and I have no control over whether the information is passed around or not. I’m learning to pause before I open my mouth.
There’s an acronym that’s posted at my daughter’s school, THINK. Before we speak we should consider if it is True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind. More and more, I’ve had to catch myself and think twice, and sometimes more than twice if what I’m about to say is all of these things. I’ve learned a more recent lesson, that what I say and to whom can be dangerous. Actually, it’s not a new lesson, it’s more that I’m learning to apply it differently than before. I was never a big gossip, however I do like a good scoop. Usually if I hear something, it won’t be repeated. I’m starting to catch myself when I participate in conversations, whether they are true or not.
The bible tells us in Proverbs 12:18 “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing”. While I’ve always been careful of what I say, I’m learning to become even more careful. Before I react to something, I try to stop and consider how it will affect my relationships going forward. Do I want to cause strife or do I want to attempt to bring peace and healing to that relationship? I’m not telling you that this is always a successful method, I’m telling you that I’m trying really hard not to react in the ways that I normally do. I have very sharp wit, and sometimes it’s not always good. It’s through these experiences that God is using those moments to point out where I have erred, and has served to humble me.
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for keeping us humble. Help us all throughout the year, but especially now, to be sensitive to the needs as others.