Beginning on August 15th, I started a series of devotions on knowing God’s will based around The Trail by Ed Underwood. It seems strange as I sit here this morning that I am through with that devotional series (which I finished on September 22). So now I have the “whatever mentality.” You know…the “whatever floats your boat” mentality, i.e. whatever random thought God brings to mind. As I start this “new” chapter, I began reflecting on yesterday’s sermon.
I have been preaching through the Beatitudes and preached yesterday on “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God.” I asked the question: “Do you want to be known as a peacemaker or a troublemaker?”
Part of being a peacemaker is controlling the tongue. Sort of like the old adage: “If you have don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” In Luke’s shorter version of the Sermon on the Mount, he writes these words: “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.” (Luke 6: 41-42 NASB2020) The word Jesus uses for “speck” often describes very small bits and pieces of straw or wood. In contrast, the word “log” refers to a load-bearing beam in a house or structure. My crazy mind want to draw a picture of a person walking down the street with this huge log hanging out of his eye.
As followers of Jesus, it is absolutely necessary that we take note of what we say, keeping in mind that we are not perfect ourselves. The best thing to say is nothing at all, unless we approach the person himself/herself , and only then with lots of love and humility. Being a peacemaker does not mean letting obvious disobedience to God’s Word go unchecked, but it also doesn’t mean we go in with guns blazing and blow someone’s doors off.
Remember: speck and log. Speck in theirs; log in mine.
Very necessary post, Bill. I’ve been working on gaining mastery over my tongue – it seems like forever. When I finally think I’ve “arrived”, wham! There my tongue goes again! UGH.
Join the club Diane. I am thinking of starting a “When I think I’m there” club. I will be a charter member.
I definitely agree with 1000% on the need to focus on the log in my eye before trying to find the spec in others. I also see the necessity to speak truth in Love. I think there are times where the pendulum can swing too far in either direction. Times where I don’t say enough (in love) out of concern of how it will be received or simply to avoid a necessary confrontation. That said… I do understand the purpose of your post and do recognize the need to bridle the tongue if the words that are coming out are not being said out of love… That usually causes more harm than good. Thanks for the reminder this morning.
I do agree with you Ryan. We do need to speak truth when error is prevalent-in life or in teaching. But it can also be said in love. This is a lesson I believe we can all learn.
We should always stop and consider what we’re about to say before we say it. I’ve strived to do that all my life, but only with God’s help can I achieve it.
Blessings, Bill!
You are right Martha. Unfortunately, I have had too many “open mouth insert foot” moments.