Everyone who really knows me is aware that fitness and diet are an important part of my lifestyle. I’m not a robot that only eats beans, veggies and fruits, and fish and chicken. I occasionally eat cookies and drink sugary refreshments. Although, I do enjoy my guilty pleasures; it is not a habit to eat them. My body (as most people) always responds awkwardly to an overhaul of sugar and unhealthy foods. As I get older, I also have noticed that burning off those extra calories is super tough. I desire to keep my body looking young for as long as possible.
The other day, after a long day of working, I entered the house to the smell of fresh homemade baked cookies and lasagna. My wife took the time to prepare food from scratch. This is completely out of the norm for her. She exclaimed, ‘I made homemade cookies for you to take to work and homemade lasagna for dinner!’ Without delay, I said ‘Man, you went carb crazy!’ Right after speaking, my wife eyes began watering and I realized that I was an idiot for the moment.
About a week prior to this incident, my daily devotional covered the subject of mastering the tongue. The author made reference to James 3:1-12. This passage of scriptures talks about our inability (independent of God) to tame the tongue. Verses 9 and 10 states…‘with the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.’ How unfortunate that I have been unable to control my words at this stage in life. I have learned the more comfortable I become in relationships; if not careful, the more ridiculous my words. I do not desire to say hurtful words, but they are a reflection of my thoughts; so, I say it.
Before I started pursuing Christ, I was a prolific curser. I can recall swearing in public at a movie theater. A woman, who was offended by my language, asked me to stop. It was embarrassing, but not humiliating enough to discontinue. Thankfully ‘just because’ swearing immediately ended when I accepted Jesus as my Lord. Environment-provoked swearing did not. When someone or something upset me, if I did not say it aloud; I definitely cursed ‘in my head’. It was, and is, a constant battle to renew my mind to be more like Christ in order that I may speak blessings, instead of cursing.
Luke 6:45 reads…
New International Version- The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
New Living Translation- A good person produces good deeds from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil deeds from an evil heart. Whatever is in your heart determines what you say.
New American Standard Bible- The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.
To make a long story short, the answer to the title of this blog is ‘because of my heart’. Instead of expressing gratitude for a homemade meal, I choose to speak about the content of the food (quality of the gift). The food’s effect on my body was more important to me, than my wife’s act of service. Vanity over thanksgiving is my issue.
We all have ‘heart conditions’ that do not align with Jesus’ plan. In discovering these areas, we have a choice to change. Change begins with confession, then actively pursuing holiness through Bible reading, scripture meditation and spiritual awareness. It’s definitely ‘easier said than done’ as it may take time to change. However, as you seek the Lord, His character and priorities will become yours (James 4:8). Your nature will become His. Peace will enter your heart, and then peace is what you will speak. So, if you find your words making you sound like an idiot, pursue the Lord. He will change the overflow of your heart.
If you desire to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, please click on the link below.
http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/BibleStudyAndTheology/Discipleship/Steps_to_Peace_With_God.aspx
