Friday: Further Study: Taming the Tongue
Further Study: Read about the power of speech in Talents,
from the book Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 335-339, by Ellen G. White and share the points that impressed you with your Sabbath School class.
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When in the company of those who indulge in foolish talk, it is our duty to change the subject of conversation if possible. By the help of the grace of God we should quietly drop words or introduce a subject that will turn the conversation into a profitable channel. . . .
Far more than we do, we need to speak of the precious chapters in our experience. We should speak of the mercy and loving-kindness of God, of the matchless depths of the Saviour’s love. Our words should be words of praise and thanksgiving. If the mind and heart are full of the love of God, this will be revealed in the conversation. It will not be a difficult matter to impart that which enters into our spiritual life. Great thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth, unselfish purposes, yearnings for piety and holiness, will bear fruit in words that reveal the character of the heart treasure. When Christ is thus revealed in our speech, it will have power in winning souls to Him.
-Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 337, 338.
Discussion Questions:
- The problem with words is that, for most of us, they come out so easily. So often, too, they come out almost before we even have a chance to think about what we are saying. Because this is true, how can we learn to think carefully before we open our mouths?
- Think about the power of your words even upon your own self. Do this experiment: consciously talk to others as much as you can about what God has done in your life, how He has blessed you, how He has gotten you through trials, et cetera. Do this even for only a day or so, and then ask yourself, How has this impacted my faith?
- What do you think your words reveal to others about what goes on in your heart? Might they be revealing more than you would like to think? If you recorded all your spoken words in a single day and then played them back to yourself, what would they reveal about you?
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As quoted from the lesson and EGW: "Great thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth, unselfish purposes, yearnings for piety and holiness, will bear fruit in words that reveal the character of the heart treasure."
Unless one is already perfect James declares that he/she offends in speech (James 3:2). At some point then we all offend in words. When this is brought to our attention by others or by the Holy Spirit we ought to be graciously responsive.
Pride may press us to double-down (reinforce) on what we said instead of apologizing. Here the statement above is particularly useful. If we yearn for piety and holiness and resist the impulse to simply defend ourselves pride may be overcome and it makes a positive difference in our witness. It pays to be gracious.
Hugh I agree that we all at some point will offend in words unless we are perfect, when this is brought to our attention by others or by the Holy Spirit we need a power outside of ourselves to even yearn for piety and holiness, we need that power to resist the impulse to defend ourselves and to overcome pride, We need to earnestly pray to God for help to respond graciously to others and the Holy Spirit and to make a positive difference in our witnessing, prayer is power, prayer changes things may God help us all to reveal His character and bear fruits in words.
We so often place limitations on our selves by quoting text to suit our own evaluations of our selves. "To some is given the gift of speech". To many of us take that as an excuse to be complacent. We need to read the following several times. God can do for us what we never imagined possible.
Christ object lessons. Chapter Talents/Speech
"By diligent effort all may acquire the power to read intelligibly, and to speak in a full, clear, round tone, in a distinct and impressive manner. By doing this we may greatly increase our efficiency as workers for Christ."
"Every Christian is called to make known to others the unsearchable riches of Christ; therefore he should seek for perfection in speech. He should present the word of God in a way that will commend it to the hearers. God does not design that His human channels shall be uncouth. It is not His will that man shall belittle or degrade the heavenly current that flows through him to the world."
"We should look to Jesus, the perfect pattern; we should pray for the aid of the Holy Spirit, and in His strength we should seek to train every organ for perfect work."
O Be Careful, Little Eyes
O be careful little eyes what you see
O be careful little eyes what you see
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little eyes what you see
O be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little ears what you hear
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little hands what you do
O be careful little hands what you do
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little hands what you do
O be careful little feet where you go
O be careful little feet where you go
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little feet where you go
O be careful little mouth what you say
O be careful little mouth what you say
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little mouth what you say