Gleanings – Discretion IS the Better Part of Valor
Ephesians 4:17-32
“Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear.”
Only speaking that which edifies and imparts grace? This is a tall order with potentially big results. First it would get rid of negative campaign advertising. Next, it would eliminate most nightly news.
Seriously, if only I could speak things that edify and impart grace and speak nothing else. In my case it would not be a matter of revising the content of my conversation but eliminating many of them altogether. Why do I have such strong feelings about this political candidate or that sensational news story? More important, why do I feel the need to articulate those positions out loud? Certainly I don’t intend anyone to be edified by them. Just this morning I quipped on Facebook that the last thing I would be is a democrat because I actually liked freedom (just so you know I also implied I am not much of a republican either). Now I am sure my quip will not edify everyone because surely there are one or two freedom loving democrats in the world. See how slippery this slope is?
One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control. I often counsel folks in this way. “Just because you think it doesn’t mean you need to say it out loud” and “not every random thought needs to be articulated.” This is excellent advice . . . for me!