29 March, 2024

Mind My Speak

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by | 9 July, 2014 | 0 comments

Eddie Lowen

Eddie Lowen

By Eddie Lowen

(From our series “The Best or Worst Advice I’ve Ever Received.”)

“Always speak your mind.” That”s the worst advice I”ve ever received.

Buried beneath the rubble caused by this axiom, there is a bit of noble instruction: be honest and transparent. There are times when “a word aptly spoken” (Proverbs 25:11, NIV, 1984) is refreshing and important. A bold word of truth can turn a conversation or decision or life in the right direction. 

However, people who announce, “I”m an open book,” or, “You always know where I stand,” are often belligerent people in search of justification (think Facebook). The New Testament values discretion over audacity in the words we speak. James 1:19 says, “Take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.” Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”Â 

It is better to mind my speak than speak my mind.

Eddie Lowen serves as lead minister with West Side Christian Church, Springfield, Illinois.

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