The Preachers Wife

I’m finding more and more my Wednesday night lessons are very applicable to us all not just 3rd and 4th graders. Tonight’s lesson is about speaking kindly. You know, I have all to recently discovered that sometimes this is almost like climbing the highest mountain in the world. You have something standing in front of you, sticking it’s tongue out at you, and what do you say? Nothing. But I really want to say something. Usually I want to stick my tongue back out and top whom ever is sticking their tongue out at me.

And then there is that one that for whatever reason seems to put themselves up on this little pedestal and stare down upon you. With the holy-er-than-thou attitude they begin to explain (and for whatever reason it’s usually not hateful at all just full of cocky-ness) how wrong you are and how right they are.

Have I been guilty of saying things out of place? YES! ABSOLUTELY! Do I feel bad about it? Yes, very much so. I’m finding more and more as I grow up and lay aside those childish things that getting the last word in or speaking with a condescending tone does nothing for the kingdom. It’s very easy for us as human being to stand on our high horse, look down and begin to explain how just because you aren’t like me (I’m speaking for Christians not the lost world) that means I’m better than you. This does nothing but cut down God’s people. The lost world will do that enough. No, we don’t need to have a group hug, sing Kumbaya, and huddle around talking of God’s love 24-7 (there are times for all of those, well, except the group hug). We need to learn to be loving and understanding holding our tongue and attitude carefully in place. Realizing you, me, him, her, all of us are no better than the other. We came from the same dirt and we’ll all return to the same dirt.

Build up rather than tear down. Don’t point and finger nor let your tongue flap aimlessly. Be an appropriate example of Christ… after-all as He hung on the tree or received his beatings, mockings, and cruel punishment He never spoke unkindly. He bore it all out of love… as should we.