Shut Up!
Hello Family,
Very rarely do I use the words "shut up". I was taught as a child that it is rude to tell someone to "shut up" and the proper verbiage is "please be quiet". I do try to use the politically correct term, however there are times that I fall short. This will be one of those times. :)
I once heard someone say that their greatest accomplishment was learning to just "shut up". This got me to thinking about the many times that I spoke too soon and/or said too much. I thought of the times that I should have just "shut up" instead of rambling on and on. James 1:19 says that we should "be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath". I wonder how many blessings I forfeited because of my tongue...because of my words. I wonder how many times God watch me, hoping that I would be silent, but instead I spoke.
On my road to becoming better, I pray more and talk less. I have finally come to the realization that I do not need to speak everything that comes to my mind. Sometimes the saying is true...less is more. And I am fine with being quiet. I don't have to tell my family and friends all of my business; I don't have to give everyone who offends me a piece of my mind; I don't have to tell everyone my dreams or aspirations; I don't even have to explain my actions or defend myself. It's okay for me to just shut up.
Family, what I have learned, I am passing on to you. Sometimes...well actually a lot of the time...you should just "Shut Up"! Keep your mouth out of other people's business; stop talking about things that you do not know or understand; stop trying to defend yourself; stop telling people off; stop sharing pieces of yourself with the wrong people. Stop talking so much! Shut up and pray more. Shut up and fast more. Shut up so you can hear the voice of God when He speaks to you. How can you hear Him if you are constantly talking? Remember, God is intelligent...He won't start talking until you stop talking. He won't start fighting on your behalf until you shut up.
Let's do an experiment! The next time you feel the urge to say something that you know that you should not say, just shut up, don't say anything. I promise you will feel better and you will move closer to being a better you. Remember meekness is not weakness!
I will leave you with this thought, Proverbs 17:27-28 says, "He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding".
Quote of the Day: You can change the direction of your entire life by just shutting up. --Lisa Evans-Graham
