by Kim Avery
Even as we are unpacking our odd shaped assortment of boxes to settle into our new home much of the anticipated remodeling still remains half done. I wake up to find workmen in my house, coach over the phone with the pleasant sound of power tools humming in the background, and step on exposed tacks as I stumble to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Ah, the joys of moving.
But one of the things that is frustrating me most is the lack of doors on my new built-ins. Let me explain. Because we are moving into a much smaller home and we admittedly own too much stuff, we decided to add built-ins to several rooms to store our things.
While the framework of each cabinet is now built, the doors and drawers are not leaving walls of exposed unattractive clutter. Some things in life are meant to be put on glorious display, and others are not.
Behind Closed Lips
It occurs to me that this same principle applies to our lives as well. The 21st century has brought a renewed awareness of the importance of transparency and authenticity and this is a very good thing. But some things, however true just don’t need to be publically aired.
We don’t need to know…
- The unkind words your husband spoke about the pastor last night,
- the state of your neighbor’s unclean house,
- or what you think about your sister-in-laws new hair-do.
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue,
he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
James 1:26
Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:18
When words are many, sin is not absent,
but he who holds his tongue is wise.
Proverbs 10:19
Instead, the only words worth sharing are those that encourage others towards godliness.
Encourage one another and build each other up.
I Thessalonians 5:11
Let’s keep everything else behind closed lips.
Tags: *Kim Avery, kind words, Tongue
