The Litmus Test

Year 6-Day 27:Today, I am grateful for the litmus test.

What is a litmus test? Remember the science lab from school days. 

Litmus Test: a test for acidity or alkalinity using litmus; 

a decisively indicative test.

Because language evolves, the noun has come to mean more. It is now used in language to describe an action that calls someone out on where they stand or what they think. They must move or choose one response or another, giving a glimpse into their thoughts, beliefs and what they feel is right or wrong. 

I was studying Luke 6 today. That chapter is full of challenges. I need more than a day... or even a week to absorb all that it has to teach. Still, this scripture stood out. (The image here is from French Press Mornings.)


A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.-Luke 6:45

Yikes! Right? That wild little thing called the tongue is so hard to leash. Still, from it flows what is in our hearts. Again, yikes! It is the litmus test for that which fills our hearts. 

Perhaps, some find it easier than me. I like words. We are called to choose our words with love, kindness, forgiveness, praying for wisdom and with patience. Some days are harder than others. 

If at the end of the day, I had to sit with Jesus and playback each conversation... what would he hear. The truth is, he knows our minds and our hearts. Nothing we say or do is in secret. But the image of sitting with him and reviewing each day - yikes! 

Still, knowing this is true, it can lead us to better choices. 

Today, I am grateful for the litmus test.