Talk Less. Smile More.

            I think I talk too much.  I think I’m too sarcastic.

            I’m not always quick-witted, but I can be at times.  At times too quick-witted.

            Words escape my mouth before I think them through.  That’s probably not the best habit to get into.  I find myself regretting things I say more often than I used to.

            “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.  Pure and undefiled religion is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”  James 1:26-27

            Strong words.  I like to use these verses in an argument against the way most Christians use social media.  But I’ve been finding them an equally convicting and a useful reminder for myself.

            As Aaron Burr says, “Talk less.  Smile more.  Don’t let them know what you’re against or what you’re for.”

            Okay, I only agree with the first two lines of those lyrics.  I think that talking less and smiling more can be a good rule of thumb for someone like me.  However, I never want to hide what I’m against and what I’m for.

            “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth.  Keep watch over the door of my lips.”  Psalm 143:3.

            What a wonderful prayer.  A reminder that we can bring all things to God, including the way we speak.

            I’m trying to get away from insulting others.  Even the fake insults.  The ones when I’m just joking around.  It’s a hard habit to get out of.  I grew up doing it and have done it for most of my life.

“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.” Mathew 15:18.

            Those words from Christ.

Words are powerful.  As a Christian, I want the words that leave my lips to be words of truth.  Words that build up and not break down.  I hate it when something I’ve said has hurt someone.  Or the times where I get frustrated and that comes out in the tone I speak in.

            I want to spur others in my life towards Christ.  And I think one of the ways to do that is by the way that I talk to them, the way that I listen to them, and the way that I encourage them.

            So, in conclusion, I’ll quote Aaron Burr again.

            “Talk less.  Smile more.” 

            I pray the Spirit leads me in times I need to talk and in the times I need to listen.  May I have an ever-growing awareness of those around me and of God, so that I shall speak rightly and listen graciously.  Amen.