Yesterday, as I worked on the sermon for Christmas Eve, Melissa walked into my office. I said, “I am worried about Christmas Eve because the sermon is going to be shorter than usual. There’s probably going to be rioting in the streets. What do you think?”
At that moment, Melissa looked like a deer caught in the headlights. She didn’t say a word. Then, after carefully thinking through her answer, she said, “I’m not going to say anything because if I do, I will be tomorrow’s Daily Devotional.” I said, “Too late.”
One of the ways I can tell Melissa is a mature Christian is that she follows the guidance found in scripture. And knowing there are always consequences for the words we speak, she adheres to the teachings of the wisest person God ever made.
King Solomon said,“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues, guard themselves from trouble.” (Proverbs 21:23)
I truly believe the best way to live life is to follow the teachings we find in scripture. If Melissa had told me the first thoughts that went through her head after I lamented how short the Christmas Eve sermon is going to be, she would have hurt my fragile, delicate ego. She did the right thing.
So remember, as the pressures surrounding this time of year begin to build, make sure you don’t shift your mouth into gear while your brain in still in neutral. That’s a recipe for disaster. It’s not the Christian way.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me to always think before I speak. Rescue me from my shortsighted decisions. Fill me with words of peace, grace, and hope. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Always remember, our words matter.
Also, just for the record, Shannon was in my office when I had the conversation with Melissa. Never once did Shannon affirm how troubling it would be to have a shorter sermon on Christmas Eve. Kind of hurts my feelings. Luckily, there’s Chris.
Yesterday afternoon, I shared my same sermon concerns with Chris. He responded that there would be nothing better than a two hour sermon on Christmas Eve from the book of Romans.
I love Chris. Shannon and Melissa are questionable. But, because I am following the guidance of scripture, I will forgive them. It’s the Christian thing to do.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 