Ivory Bars

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and redeemer." Psalms 19:14

I once heard my pastor say that your tongue is held behind ivory bars and your ears are always open for a reason. I thought it was a pretty clever statement. Why is it so hard for us girls to keep our mouths shut? Or why is it so hard to listen and not speak? One thing I have learned in trying to do this as a Christian: it does not happen in a day. Or even in months, for that matter. It's a gradual process.

If you are anything like me, you can relate to my every day situations. I use my work environment as my example because well, sadly thats where most of us spend the majority of our time. I tend to be an outgoing person who can cut up with just about anyone. I try not to be the center of attention, but laughing and having fun with my co-workers is usually part of my daily agenda. Up until recently, I never thought twice about the conversations that I was having or my responses to certain situations. But once the Holy Spirit gets a hold of you, your thought process changes. Or at least mine did.

Do you work with someone who drives you absolutely crazy because they think they know more than everyone? And not just that, they are quick to point out faults in others and to boast about themselves? I think we can all secretly impart that we work with someone of that nature. These people are my tongue triggers. I hate to see them coming because I just know that Satan is going to crack the whip on my tongue and my mouth is going to salivate with negativity and gossip. A recent setting I found myself in consisted of my "tongue trigger" person completely trying to do my job for me because they felt like I did not perform adequately. Boy, did I just want to unleash and prove that I did not need this person to perform my job for me. And instead of listening to the gentle and coaxing Holy Spirit telling me to look the other way and go about my business, I did just that. I completely huffed and puffed, telling Miss Tongue Trigger that I had done what I thought needed to be done and that I did NOT need her to go behind me when it wasn't her place. Since we are all guilty of sin every day I will go a step further and confess that after this person left the room I could not STAND her. After I had said all of those things about this person, a verse came into my head.

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19

I have came to the conclusion last week that being a Christian is accompanied by suffering not only from persecution, but also from the constant conviction of the Spirit. I don't mean that as conviction being painful and hating it, but when His Spirit is constantly reminding me of how my actions aren't benefiting Christ's gain, I always feel bad. But on the bright side, it also encourages us to grow, do better next time, and remain positive. 

So have I changed completely in a few months? No, of course not, I have slipped a few times and wished that my ivory bars kept my tongue safe and sound, but for the most part, I am learning that Christ is most pleased with a gentle and humble servant. A short but meaningful prayer in my car every morning helps tremendously, and I am so thankful that my Heavenly Father knows what I can handle throughout my day. 

You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quite spirit, which is precious to God." 1 Peter 3:4