Short and sweet thought for the week…
Most of us would like to blame our bad behavior on life’s pressures. However, stress does not cause ugly attitudes; it only reveals them. It’s when we are overworked and tense that the real us manifests itself. That’s when we need to be twice as vigilant to guard our mouths for the untamed tongue can do much harm (James 3:3-10).
However, deeper than guarding our tongues, is guarding our hearts for our words will reflect what is in our hearts (Luke 6:45). If we are bitter, resentful, judgmental, or disobedient, it will become evident in what we say. We can refrain from speaking, but sooner or later these efforts will be in vain. The heart steers the tongue and our words will eventually reveal our true attitudes.
Proverbs says to guard your heart because everything you do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23)! Our hearts determine how we live our lives. Therefore, we must be mindful of what we allow in our hearts. As we strive to capture destructive and disruptive thoughts, we can change them before they get out of control (2 Corinthians 10:5). This is done through prayer and by focusing on what is true, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, and praiseworthy—attributes of God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (Philippians 4:8).
We want hearts filled with love, hope, compassion, and forgiveness (Romans 5:5). Next time we are stressed or under pressure, may our hearts reveal a love for God that overflows into everything we do and every word we say.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything
you do flows from it.” ~Proverbs 4:23
