Today’s Haiku

Listen in silence

Remember: two ears, one mouth

Everyone has pearls

Growing Together

How are you doing today?

How is your weekend going?

When was the last time you listened in silence as someone spoke to you?

My friend Christian told me the words “listen” and “silent” are anagrams. I like this. I cannot listen to you if I am too busy talking. Not only that, I can’t listen to you if I can’t silence my thoughts long enough to hear you and understand. I’m not saying I need to turn off my “thinking cap.” I am saying I should not be thinking about what I want to say while you are speaking.

Well, I attended class on campus today. We have lively discussion in both classes. I believe we heard each other. However, in my opinion I think some people talk too much. So much so that time in class is monopolized. I notice certain people can’t get a word in edgewise or get cut off early.

But you know what? We are training for ministry. We need to learn how to deal with different types of people. We need to learn when to “stand up for ourselves” and when to just let things go.

I was gritting my teeth during the first class. What was I thinking?

I was thinking I was irritated, and I did not have peace. I was thinking some people need to speak up for themselves. I was thinking some people need to gather their thoughts before they speak because although what they had to say was good, they talk too much. I didn't think some people might have needed to hear a long response. Most importantly, the peace of God was not ruling within me so that told me I needed to keep quiet.

Colossians 3:15 (Contemporary English Version)

Each one of you is a part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.

I was thinking that self-control is a fruit of Holy Spirit. People who know me call me sweet. I do not want to cause the fruit God gives me to become rotten.

Galatians 5:22-23 (New International Version)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

I need to focus on changing myself. I can best change how people respond to me by changing myself and how I interact with others. How can I change the world and help others when I can’t even change myself and help myself?

Relying on the Scriptures to help me remain calm was my first step. I asked God for more help and I received Scriptures that help me identify the problem and enact a solution. I believe God told me that even though I have a right to my private thoughts, I was dwelling on everything I perceived as wrong. I’m too concerned about people talking too much, but I’m so consumed with my own irritation that I am not listening.

This is not loving. This is not peaceful. I needed peace from Christ to show me how I was in the wrong and what I can do to fix this. I needed peace from Christ to control my thoughts. I needed peace from Christ to help me be present during class. I needed peace from Christ to help Christ in me shine brightly.

I ask you to be mindful of what you do when you get irritated. What do you default to? That is usually what your flesh wants. What is that?

I ask you to make a list and then search the Scriptures to see what they say. Maybe you shut down when people argue with you. Well, there are Scriptures that tell us not to fear people. Scriptures give us power for living and help us become bold. Maybe you binge eat or drink alcohol when you come home from work. Maybe you think you deserve a treat. Maybe you think you need to drink to unwind. Well, Scriptures have plenty to say about alcohol consumption and excessive eating!

As you to read the Scriptures, ask God to help you hide them within your mind and heart. That way God can bring them to your remembrance when you need help. Ask God to help you understand what you read. Ask God to give you wisdom. When you can understand and properly apply what you have read then you are demonstrating wisdom.

I would love to read in the comments how the Scriptures have helped. I also want to read how applying the Scriptures in your life have given you power for living. Don’t be a stranger!