Think before you speak

   

 I have not posted a blog in several months.  Oh, there have been a few written, but none ever made it to being published.  This blog is supposed to be about leaving something of value for the next generation; challenging people to think about what they believe and why.  In today's world it is easy for a person to sit down at a computer and spit out post after post of angry rhetoric.  It seems everybody has an opinion on everything.  It almost feels like some people have made it their occupation to comment on every Facebook post and news story in the world.  And, let's be honest, has anyone REALLY ever changed their mind because of a few angry sentences on social media?
     So today, let's be reminded of a good rule of thumb.  Before we speak, or even type, remember to T.H.I.N.K.

T - Is what I am going to say or type TRUE?  Have you verified the source of the story?  Is the thing true, or is it convenient?  The Bible reminds us: "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:" (Proverbs 3:3)

H - Is this information HELPFUL?  It may not be what people want to hear, but if it is needed, so be it. Proverbs 27:6 states," Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."  However, if what we are about to say does not add to the conversation anything of value, it is better that we remain silent.  "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding." (Proverbs 17:28)

I - Is what I am about to communicate INSPIRING? There is too much negativity in the world.  Ephesians 4:29 admonishes us to, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may administer grace unto the hearers."  Are the words we are going to use going to help others be better, or tear them down?  Can we find a better way to say it?

N - Is this information NECESSARY?  How many times could the conversation ended without additional input?  This is especially true when we begin to get involved in "heated" debates.  If we stop feeding the fire, and giving additional validity to useless arguments, they will be seen for what they are.  Stop jumping on the wagon! "Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth." (Proverbs 26:20)

K -  Is what I'm going to say KIND?  This may go back to the point about being inspiring.  It can also be a lesson in tact.  (The only Tact some people know is A-tact {attack})  What we say is sometimes over shadowed by how we say it.  Finding a kinder way to communicate truth may give it a more receptive audience.  We don't have to water down the message, but maybe pepper it with a little more grace.  Peter advises us concerning this by writing from divine inspiration, "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile." (1 Peter 3:10)

This acronym is not original with me and it is true that this author is a work in progress on all of these points. That being said, I can assure you, the only sure way to positively speak/ type in a way that follows these guidelines is to quote Scripture.  "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."  (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Please THINK before you speak!