Open or Shut? by Dan McDonald

"Open the door for your little brother!" "Shut the door behind you! Were you raised in a barn?" "You should have opened your mouth if you wanted something!" Why can't you just shut your mouth?!" These are only a few examples of the many mixed signals we're given on a daily basis...and most of the time they're directed to our kids. Is it any wonder they are confused?! Maybe the reason is that we're not sure when to open our mouths or just keep them shut! Proverbs talks a lot about wise men and women knowing when to speak and when to hold their tongues. James is even clearer on the matter. But somehow we just keep missing it! I'm right in there with everyone else. It is sometimes very difficult to hold back the truth especially when we know someone is in the wrong. God tells us that it is His responsibility to care of such matters...oh, yes, sometimes he does use human intervention - but get this: He doesn't need us! He can do a much better job without us sticking our noses into His business. I heard a really neat statement on the radio the other day: "...even in the midst of our deepest darkest storms, God is still in control." Well, the truth is, in EVERYTHING God has control. It doesn't matter if you believe it or not. God said it and that settles it. SO the next time we feel like opening our "traps" let's remember that controlling our speech is an important part of showing our faith to others. The discipline of our words is part of what it means to follow Jesus (James 3:1-12). However; controlling our tongues is impossible without the work of the Holy Spirit. So, when we are tempted to say something we know is not right, let's yield that "muscle" to the Holy Spirit's power, and let Him take control - lest we lose control!