Taskless Talk!
Sunday’s Monday
I heard something very disturbing today and it had to do with China and this contra virus. When fact checking it, I could not verify the comment but that does not change the validity of my thought. The comment, while China’s COVID-19 cases are decreasing, the countries divorce and suicide cases are exploding. That set poorly with my spirit as the United States could be facing something equal to the pandemic itself. As I prayed about it, I felt God saying, His people are losing or have lost the art of conversation. Most people talk at or to others in-which entails the aged art of idle gossip, meaningless chatter (sports, shopping, etc.) or complain about things of which we have no control. We seldom if ever have a pointed conversation regarding what is going on in our personal and spiritual life, as we consider that to be most private. “Spoiler alert!” Nothing is hidden from God; He knows our everything Psalm 139:2.
The secret to obtaining the words to express that which needs to be said, begins in following the instructions in Matthew 6:33 (NLT), Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. This is powerful for Jesus followers as we must “learn or relearn” the art of conversation! Which the Merriam–Webster’s Dictionary defines conversation as oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions, or ideas.… example “we had talk enough but no conversation; there was nothing discussed” Samuel Johnson. Jesus gave me this subject as an eye opener in revealing, my communication skills could use some retooling especially with my wife. I am discovering way too much idle chatter on my part, instead of beneficial conversation with my wife and others. God is reminding me through 1 Peter 3:7 (NLT), In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. I am working at rediscovering who and what she means to me through seeking God’s wisdom first, knowing full well He will direct my words into useful tools of love instead of fiery darts of disdain!
As per Jesus’s instruction in Matthew 6:33, I am finding my words sometimes are many when only a few are needed, and this unintentionally disrespects your time. For this I sincerely apologize! Jesus is working with me on this one. Back to task. The no. 1 reason for separation with Jesus, spouse, family, and friends is broken communication. Yes, we continue to talk to, however our words no longer express a value from our heart. Our conversations become baseless as our feelings, mood, and attitude now cast an ugly shadow over what we say. I have used the term empty, hollow words, and now know this is not true, these words are indirectly filled with indifference, disrespect, and often times contemptuous. People soon pick up on this and all communications evaporate. My focus today is aimed at husband and wife, however the following scripture can and should be applied to everyone. Ephesians 5:25-26 (NLT), 25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. This cleansing of God’s word is actually redirected to cleanse the praying persons mind, which changes our words into conversation through the direction of our heart and this brings forth a connection between us and the recipient.
I feel it is important to follow the above statement with this scripture from Colossians 3:13 (NLT), Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. This is equal to God’s law of reaping and sowing in Galatians 6:7 (NLT), Don’t be misled; you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Should you desire to avoid some of the worst pitfalls of this life, plant good seed! Start with learning how to conversate with God, after all Jesus tells us in Matthew 21:22 (NLT), You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.
My prayer this week is for each of us to give this subject the serious meditation which is required to improve and perfect our relationship with Jesus which will improve our relationship with our spouse! Philippians 1:9-11 (NLT), 9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ - for this will bring much glory and praise to God. Amen
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK BY BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS!
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