Don’t Shoot Yourself

There is enough trouble in the world without doing things to harm yourself.

Text for Today – Psalm 64:8 – So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.

If you’re a hunter, shooter, law enforcement officer, or military, gun safety is definitely (or certainly should be) a major part of your training.  If you shoot a bow and arrow, you should be taught and understand shooter safety.

A device far more powerful than any gun or bow is the human tongue.  Man’s words have driven the world to chaos, caused war, disrupted peace, rained confusion, gendered strife, inflamed fears, bred ignorance, and destroyed enlightenment.  They have likewise led the world to calm, ended war, brought peace, brought order, created unity, built faith, birthed knowledge, and enhanced enlightenment.

With such a powerful device at the disposal of every human being, I would think the believer should press to understand “tongue safety.”  The power of the tongue needs to be understood.  Sadly, for most people, they don’t have a clue.  The creative ability of the tongue needs to be truly appreciated.  Sadly, once again, negative, destructive speaking about others is a strong demonstration of a great lack of understanding here, while at the same moment modeling hurtful intentions..

To engage in evil or negative speaking toward or about a person is to unleash the potential of incredible destruction.  If one speaks in such a manner about a fellow Christian, it is highly unlikely that person does not understand the potential outcome of such talk.  Read Psalm 64, and read it closely.  Take its teaching to heart.  With all the talk in our world about gun control, what we really need to learn is “tongue control.”  If you speak evil or destruction upon a child of God, and especially if that child of God knows who he is in Christ, the evil and destruction you speak will come back upon yourself.  Remember the words of the Lord Jesus.  If you judge, you will be judged.  And we know that it is the same judgment that you use toward others that will be brought upon yourself.  It is the fruit of what we have called the Golden Rule; do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

I know there are people who will and do speak evil of you, but you MUST refuse to fall prey to the same spirit.  What do you want to receive from others?  Give what you desire to receive, and then expect that return.  God will see to it that His Word is fulfilled in your life.  Just remember to learn and practice “tongue safety” and “tongue control.”  Whatever you do, don’t shoot yourself.

Manna for Today – Psalm 64; Isaiah 54:17; James 3; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Mark 11:22-24