This next week is Confirmation Sunday. Seeing all those young people stand at the altar rail surrounded by their family and friends as they accept Jesus as Lord and Savior is one of the most beautiful moments of the year.
But yesterday, as Melissa and I reviewed a copy of the worship bulletin, I realized that in order to make everything fit for Confirmation Sunday, I’d have to preach a short sermon. I said, “Do you think people will be okay if my sermon is shorter than usual?” Melissa got that deer in the headlights look.
She thought for a few moments and said, “I think everyone will eventually recover.” Good answer!
Melissa was following the sage advice of the wisest person God ever made, who said, “One who spares words is knowledgeable; one who is cool in spirit has understanding. Even fools who keep silent are considered wise; when they close their lips they are deemed intelligent.” (Proverbs 17:27-28)
I, on the other hand, subscribe to the theory of Stick Your Foot in Your Mouth Up to the Knee Cap. I get in trouble a lot.
As you begin a new day you have two choices. You can think through what you are going to say and avoid a lot of trouble, like Melissa would. Or, you can shift your mouth into gear while your brain is still in neutral, like I would.
One way is smart. One way is dumb. It’s up to you.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me to think before I speak. Give me words of grace, compassion, and healing. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Just for the record, the Bible never says, “Be Ye Stupid.” Think first. You won’t regret it.
Also, deep down I still believe there will be rioting in the streets of Temple this Sunday because of my short sermon. We’ll all just have to weather the storm.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Starting May 5, Pastor Brian and I are going to be doing a series of sermons on the book of Proverbs. We’ve already been coming up with sermon titles. One title is going to be “Just Shut Up.” It’s self-explanatory.
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 