When I was a freshman in high school, I was privileged to be asked to attend my first party by a sophomore. While I had a crush on this girl at the time, something in my heart told me not to go. Thus, as half of this party was being arrested for under aged drinking, I was subbing for my parent’s Friday Night bowling league. On this night, I could do no wrong like a blessing from above, bowling my best single game, 199 and three games series, 570. I knew I was in the right place as my first poor shot of the evening hit 3 pins initially, before somehow turning into a strike.
Psalm 39:1 illustrates a similar principle with 3 directions for life. First, King David shares the importance of watching your ways. This includes how you spend your time, the friends you choose, places you go and entertainment decisions you make. If I rejected my initial gut feeling, my entire high school experience and career path might have changed. Fortunately, my parents had raised me up in the church, which has provided guidance and wisdom along the way.
Second, David warns others to keep their tongue from sin. The most common temptation in schools and the workplace is gossip and or slander. However, if you steer clear from this, anger can also encourage evil words to roll off your lips. In addition, envy, jealousy and pride may inspire venomous words, attacking others, often in the form of a word curse. Like the apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10:5, the best way to keep your tongue from sin is by taking your thoughts captive, making them obedient to Christ.
Finally, the king ends Psalm 39:1 by emphasizing the need to put a muzzle over your mouth. Slightly different from the tongue, I believe David is referring to your conversation. Jesus talks about adding flavor to others by what you say, Matthew 5:13. Paul adds to Jesus’ words by stressing the need for grace in Colossians 4:6. Even Peter, who struggled with this area throughout his life adds a reminder for gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15-16. Therefore, whether you want to change your way, tongue or mouth, if you put God’s word into practice, Matthew 7:24, eternal blessings will follow.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 