Learn my lesson

Remember just a couple days ago when I wrote about Jesus remaining silent while His critics condemned Him? Why can't I lesson to myself. The entire reason I started this blog was to cut down my pride. For a while it worked, but I have reverted back to my defensive, know-it-all attitude. Something happened tonight, and I won't go into detail, but I got defensive and raised my voice to people and I shouldn't have. It doesn't matter if I believe that I was right or justified in my argument, it matters that--like the bracelets say--Do what Jesus would do. Just keep quiet.

Maybe there are times when we have to speak up, but it shouldn't be in the manner that I did. There's a way to defend yourself without be ill-mannered and ill-tempered. At first, I felt convinced in my stance, but as the Holy Spirit does, He convicted me as soon as I opened my Bible tonight.

I thought I had an idea for a blog, and as I was flipping through to find Timothy, James 3 caught my eye and there was a big header that said the Untamable Tongue. Ype, "the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity...With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men...My brethren, these things out not to be so."

Let me have it James. Every time I hear this verse I think of the Third Day song (off their self-titled first release) "Nothing At All." Actually, it was the first 3D song I ever heard. In the song, there's a little breakdown where Mac speaks piece of this verse. The lyrics are pretty self-explanatory; "If you can't say nothing good, don't say nothing at all." Despite the fact that the song is rife with double negatives ("ain't you got nothing better to do"), it's the truth.

As the song continues, "we've got to tame our tongues." It's not that I'm shouting expletives or vulgar language, but it's all about intent and attitude. There is no doubt I need to work on this and it's a big part of getting rid of my pride. Thank God for His forgiveness!