Tongue Lassoing

Daily Gratitude Year 7 - Day 26: Today, I am grateful for tongue lassoing.

It is an art that isn't often practiced today. 

The advent of social media allows us to let our thoughts and opinions all hang out. Sometimes... our opinions need Spanx more than they need a platform. You know, what Spanx are, right? The undergarment that holds things in and smooths out problem spots.  

Do kids today even know the phrase "tongue lashing"? Probably not. The tongue is sharp and hard to control, like the opinions that start it wagging. 

"Burning down others opinions doesn't make us right. It makes us arsonists." -Bob Goff

That quote made me laugh. Bob is a storyteller at heart. He uses so many word pictures to help us understand his meaning. Opinions can be so hurtful and he lays it out clearly. Putting others down, because we disagree with them does not make us right. Mama Ina Mae always taught us that it is okay to disagree with someone, but you have to be respectful. She always tried to teach us to trust and allow the Holy Spirit to do his work in the lives of others. The "Spirit of Correctiveness" is not a fruit of the spirit. 

We can debate respectfully. We can disagree on interpretations. We are instructed to choose love. God does not stutter on that note. Jesus said it again and again. We are to love God like crazy and love each other like crazy. Our tongues can quickly build walls and tear down relationships. 

"People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God." -James 3:7-9

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor." -James 4:10

We are all works in progress. If we encourage each other in our walks with the Lord and share His Word together, we will grow in wisdom and build a faith community. His grace on our lives changes everything. In Him,  we can learn to lasso our tongues. 

Today, I am grateful for tongue lassoing.