How do we talk to people? Are we arrogant and stuck up? Are we discouraging and damning? Are we bossy and controlling, passive-aggressive, or just plain rude? I don’t know about you, but I can be all these on any given day if I choose to be. I don’t always pray that I have the best attitude, but I do pray that the Holy Spirit would use me as his Temple speaking through me to people when I come in contact with them. It helps to build people up and encourage them in this life.
I also ask God for good listening skills, like listening and pausing before I speak. When I stop and think about what’s being said, I have found instead of just shooting things out of my mouth; the conversations usually turn out very well. I am very quick-witted and love jokes, but not everybody does, and most people don’t understand my humor. It’s like if you brought a 15-year-old to a grown-up party. Proverbs 16:23-33 the hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction. Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end leads to death. The appetite of laborers work for them, they’re hunger drives them on. Scoundrels plot evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire. The perverse stir up dissension and gossips separate close friends. The violent entice their neighbors and lead them down a path that is not good. Those who wink with their eye are plotting perversity, those who pursue their lips are bent on evil. Gray hair is a crown of splendor it is attained in the way of righteousness. Better a patient person than a warrior, those with self-control then those who take a city. The lot is cast into the lap but it’s every decision is from the Lord.” If you would like to curb the way that we speak then please join me in prayer this morning. Dear Heavenly Father please forgive us for any of our sins and trespasses. We lay our worries, stresses, fears, and struggles at your feet. Lord, we would like to have your Holy Spirit dwelling in us, using us as your temple. Please help us listen and pause before we speak, and give us the words to encourage and inspire others. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.
Are U Up for the Challenge? 