A REVELATION AT MEALTIME

Many things are opened by mistake, but none so frequently as the mouth.
The results can be revealing.

A man sat down to supper with his family. As usual, he said grace, thanking God for the food, for the hands that prepared it, and for the source of all life.

As the meal proceeded, the man began to complain. The bread was not fresh enough, he grumbled. The cheese was too sharp. And the coffee was hotter and more bitter than he preferred. After a while, his young daughter looked at him, perplexed. “Dad,” she asked, “do you think God heard the grace today?” He answered confidently, “Of course.”

Then she asked, “And do you think God heard what you said about the coffee, the cheese, and the bread?” Not so confidently, he answered, “Why, yes, I believe so.” The little girl concluded, “Then which do you think God believed, Dad?”

The man usually had a quick response to any question his daughter asked. Now, he sat in stunned silence. The man realized that his mealtime prayer had become a well-practiced habit in which he said words that made him look and feel good.

He also saw how his real attitude, as revealed by the spontaneous words in his complaints, was not what he wanted, or even liked.

How does this apply to our lives?

The story illustrates an interesting thing about the tongue. It can be helpful, or destructive. The tongue can encourage, or discourage. It can spread love, or spew forth venom.

The difference is not in the tongue itself. The difference is in one’s heart. Many hidden diseases of the body are detected when doctors look into the mouth. Hidden diseases of the spirit and mind are revealed by what comes out of the mouth (47:30).

You see, people get the picture of whom you really are by the way you use your tongue. Fortunately, you can frame the content of that picture. Also, as Proverbs 17:28 says: Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Evaluate the words you use and your tone of voice. What pictures are you painting of yourself with the things that come out of your mouth?

But don’t stop with the question of your appearance. Consider what your words and tone of voice say about your spiritual and mental conditions. Do the things that come out of your mouth reflect God’s values and standards? If they don’t, why not?

 

For our own health and happiness, let’s deal with the conditions these symptoms reveal.

Asiah

[Adapted from Submitters Perspective July 1998]

[2:263] Kind words and compassion are better than a charity that is followed by insult. GOD is Rich, Clement.

[14:24] Do you not see that GOD has cited the example of the good word as a good tree whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches are high in the sky?

[41:33] Who can utter better words than one who invites to GOD, works righteousness, and says, “I am one of the submitters”?

[9:108] … GOD loves those who purify themselves.

[24:24] The day will come when their own tongues, hands, and feet will bear witness to everything they had done.