We have all been taught what to do if we get on fire. I remember practicing this in school, seeing it on commercials and the Barney show. This morning I saw great spiritual applications that will change my life if I apply the principals in the Word of God "at the right time."
We have all been there. Someone says something to us that ignites a tiny flame in us. We say something back that ignites a flame in them. Now we have a fire! If we do nothing, it either turns into a full blown forest fire that threatens the relationship or smolders for a long time, still doing damage. There is an alternative, this is what I heard and saw.
First, our lovely little tongues! James 3:5 accurately calls our tongue a flame of fire. We cause more damage with that member of our body than any other. Proverbs 18:21 says death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it (for death or life) I will let you read Matthew 12:34-37 on your own, very convicting! We form relationships through words and end those same relationships with more words. That is some bowl of fruit! Apples of gold in a bowl of silver, as described in Proverbs 25:11 is more like how I would like to be remembered.
Well as soon as the first match is struck I would like to:
STOP ~ Selah
I have seen this little word after many verses, and not all happy ones at that. It means pause, calmly thin about. Imagine if before I answer, defend myself, give an explanation I STOP and rest a minute. Let God filter the thoughts before they come out of my mouth! Glory!
What is more important; that I have my say and damage a relationship and then have to repent and ask forgiveness anyway or I STOP and meditate and change my approach.
DROP ~ To my knees in prayer and Humility
Humility is becoming a lost virtue. Much needed in the body of Christ, mostly me! This is for free- I highly, more than any other book, recommend "Humility" by Andrew Murray. I re-read it often (life a virus check on my heart.)
ROLL ~ roll every care on Jesus!
Things go so much better for me when I roll all my cares on Jesus and get His mind on a subject. So much less stress.
Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the Lord (ROLL and repose each care of your load on Him); trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.
Proverbs 16:3 ROLL your works upon the Lord (commit and trust them wholly to Him; and He will cause your thoughts to bcome agreeable to His will, and) so shall your plans be established and succeed.
*What a promise!! That will certainly help and not hurt every relationship!
I don't use matches much but I think I will get some to remind me of this lesson!
