"Zip the Lip"
In driving down the mountain recently, a lady passed me in an area that was not only illegal to pass, but also unsafe. She had come up behind me at a rather high rate of speed and apparently must have thought that I was driving too slowly. I normally average about 5 miles per hour over the speed limit and that seems fast enough, especially on the mountainous roads of New Mexico. As we reached the bottom of the mountain I pulled up behind her at the traffic signal so she really didn’t gain a thing. Given opportunity, she could have gotten mouthy when we both went to the post office. I decided that my only comment would be, "I believe that the Lord would have me not to comment regarding your remarks on my driving speed, however, you might not want to pursue this because if my humanity gets in the way, you’re definitely not going to like what I have to say." Admittedly that was risky enough, even at that, and I probably planned on saying too much. In fact, I’ve decided that I’ll trust the Lord to enable me to say even less in future confrontations. I’ve discovered that on those occasional times when I am put in a position to say something that I’d rather not, that I say whatever I need to respectfully, yet decisively enough that the offender gets the clear picture that they’d best not mess with this guy. I don’t like conflict yet it comes to all of us at one time or another.
In James 1:19-20, we read, "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires" (NIV). In fact, if that doesn’t convict us, read on, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless," as seen in verse #26.
So if you and I want to practice righteous conduct in such matters, then we need to weigh what we say very carefully. In fact, there are many times where wisdom simply says, "It’s time to zip the lip!" I practice that concept a whole lot more than I used to. We are reminded not to respond with anything that might initiate a negative return response as it only escalates a situation. Our living witness as Christians interacting with others in this world is crucial to reaching the lost by proper lifestyle, both in speech (or lack of it) and in action.
As I pray today:
Please note:
You are welcome to share this devotional in your local churches, home fellowship Bible studies, etc., but I suggest that you personalize it. You do not have permission to publicize it or to make money from it in any form. May God richly bless you as you minister for Him with rich spiritual rewards of seeing many souls saved and sanctified for all eternity! Please let me know whatever helpful results you may get from this!
With Warm Sincerity in Jesus’ Love,
Rev. Don Schink, Pastor-Evangelist
Sonlight Ministries
Tijeras, NM
Pastor Don's Home Page
Pastor Don's Ministry & Evangelism Outreach Page
