Taming of the Shrewd

Rejoice in the Son-Day and 

again I say Rejoice!

You Tell Me if It's Art: Walker Art Center, Mpls

Taming of the Shrewd

I am in a constant battle to be patient when in discussions at work. I will focus on pieces of what someone will say and start formulating an answer.  Next, I will find that moment when the speaker is taking a needed breath to interject my clever thoughts. In that nano-second before I speak the treasure cemented in my heart comes to mind, 

"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry" (James 1:19).  

This is the practice of self-control, which is a spiritual fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:23).  This is a fruit we must cultivate. When the urge to interject arises, take a deep breath. This brief pause can give you the mental space to weigh your words.

From a natural standpoint fruit is the result of a healthy plant producing what it was designed to produce. In the Bible, the word fruit is often used to describe a person’s outward actions that result from the condition of the heart. Good fruit is that which is produced by the Holy Spirit.  Good fruit is sweet and delectable.  You want more of it. When sampling grapes, we all dread the tart, face twisting sour grape.  We will not buy that bunch. 

Some plants produce bad fruit. Some people produce bad fruit when they do not practice any discipline in their interactions with others.

Our mission, our directive is to love your neighbor.  Interactions with others matter to God.  We must be the plant that produces good fruit.

Matthew 7:18 
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

In a sense, there is a sampling of sorts others are doing with you.

Delivery and content of your words must be tamed.  It is not easy and we need the help of the Holy Spirit.

James 3:7-10
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 

How does the Holy Spirit work with us?  Simple. His Word.

God's words are direct, practical, inspired, and supernaturally powerful.   Memorize them and He will bring them to your remembrance when necessary.  "Jesus said, remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you" (John 14:24-26)

Let me start you out. Try to memorize three of these scriptures.  

My tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long - Psalms 35:28

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.. - Proverbs 15:4

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. - Proverbs 21:23

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. - Ephesians 4:29

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,  to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. - Titus 3:1-2

Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. - Proverbs 17:28

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. - Colossians 4:6 

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. - Matthew 12:36-37

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. - Proverbs 16:24 

Lace your words with the influence of The Word.

Song of the Week  Hallelujah! Sing a New Song to GOD. Sing HIS praise in the assembly of godly people. Psalm 149:1.

"You're Good" 2024, Maranda Curtis

I needed an old song with a new twist that I could pick right away and join along.

Partial lyrics

To him who sits

On the throne

And unto the lamb

[repeat]

Be blessing and glory

And honor and power

Forever

[repeat]