Mindful Speaking
I’ll tell you right away, it wasn’t easy at all. At that time I used plenty of vulgarity and sarcasm. I was also developing my spiritual life (interesting mix), and this scripture got my attention: “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” - James 1:26 (New International Version). Since I was trying to grow spiritually, I couldn’t ignore that passage. And if that one wasn’t enough, there was another: “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.” - Matthew 12:36 (NIV)
So I tried to consider every word in my mind before I spoke it. Starting out it wasn’t perfect but I started to actually feel better about myself and others, which was an unexpected benefit. It wasn’t just an exercise to be more mindful anymore, or to “clean up” my language. So naturally when I failed, I got somewhat discouraged. And since it was a spiritual journey I was on anyway, I turned back to scripture. When I get discouraged, usually something from Psalms will help encourage and uplift me. Lo and behold (it sounds weird to say “Lo” without “and behold”), I found this: “Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.” - Psalm 141:3 (NIV)
Well, I needed some divine help to straighten out my mouth, so that helped. Several years later, I am still working on being mindful of what I say. I still talk without thinking once in a while, but I don’t have to worry much about offending people. And here is one last scripture: “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue” - Proverbs 17:28 (NIV). There have been many times I’ve just kept my mouth shut.
Have a good day, everyone!
