Sunday, February 21, 2010

The cure for mouth disease

I have a friend who’s been known to pray, “Lord, put a guard over my mouth, and if that doesn’t work, use duct tape!”

As of right now, I am making that my official prayer!

Lately I’ve had a series of episodes with diarrhea of the mouth. Even though I could sense the Holy Spirit saying, “Be quiet! Don’t say that. Stop right now,” I persisted in saying what was on my mind.

And do you know what? Every time I’ve done that, I’ve made things worse, not better.

Nothing good can come of disobedience.

So I’ve repented — more than once — but it’s obvious I need some medicine for my mouth disease. Isn’t it a good thing I just happen to know the best doctor in the world?

I started by examining my motives and noticed a strong tendency to want to “straighten people out” when I think they’re wrong or to defend what I believed was right. This revelation was followed by an image of the Lord Jesus facing accusers and would-be attackers. I noticed two ways He responded. First, when Jesus was tempted by the devil in the desert, He responded with the Word of God. He didn’t argue or try to convince Satan that he was wrong; He simply said, “It is written …” (Matthew 4:1–10).

Next, when testimony was brought against Jesus as He faced the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin, He remained silent (Mat. 26:63).

As always, Jesus is our perfect example.

Instead of rushing to defend myself or to explain to someone why they’re wrong, I need to listen to the Holy Spirit when He says, “Hush.” Saying nothing can be so hard, but leaning on His strength, I can do this.

And, if the Holy Spirit should give me license to speak, I need to put aside my own inclinations and speak God’s Word into these difficult situations.

Given my record, the cure may not be instantaneous, but I know that with time, practice and lots of prayer, God is going to cure my mouth disease.

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