Holding Your Tongue

Sometimes, I find the need to literally hold my tongue. I know that seems a little odd, but I have a tendency to just burst out and say things without thinking things through or weighing out the consequences of my words.

There are times when I struggle with whether or not to say what's truly on my mind. If I say it, it could cause anger, frustration, disappointment, or other thoughts/feelings in the person I speak my mind to. If I don't say anything, it could allow people to think that I am with them...in agreement with the issue at hand.

This may be hard for some people to grasp, but there are many times when I hold my tongue when it comes to my thoughts on the church (I even manage to hold my fingers back from typing away). There are things I'd love to speak my mind on, but I know it would probably come across the wrong way and cause more damage than good. And, I think that's why I find myself holding my tongue today. I have come to the realization that I need to hold my tongue when my words are not going to bring about good. I can endlessly rant on things, but to what end???

James tells us, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water." (James 3:9-12)

I really have to try and take this passage to heart. Praise and cursing from the same source...it's an unbalanced equation. I hope and pray that today I will be able to hold my tongue and only speak words of praise, peace, love, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.

Does this mean I will stop speaking my mind? Of course not! It just means I'll try to be more understanding and thoughtful...seeking good rather than simply blasting aimlessly away.