Silence

Have you ever hung up the phone or left a conversation and felt as if you said too much? Have you ever wished you could take back something you said? We often learn the hard way that speaking without thinking can cause pain and create problems. And too much talking clutters and consumes precious time.

One way to refine your use of words is by routinely practicing the discipline of silence. Now, if you’re a married guy and your wife is continually requesting that you talk more; this isn’t an excuse to avoid conversation with her. Instead, this silence is an invitation to prepare yourself for meaningful conversation.

Consider taking a day to monitor your conversations. Spend some time in silence reflecting on how you’ve used and abused words. Do you use words to rationalize, lie, deceive, exaggerate, or to manipulate? In silence you’ll remember the words you spoke quickly in anger and slowly in apology, arrogantly in accusation and humbly in confession. In silence you’ll be able to listen; you’ll begin to hear what the Lord is saying and you’ll begin to experience his renewal.

People recovering from heart attacks are often counseled to bring quiet into their lives by speaking less often and more slowly when they do speak. Such discipline has been proven to reduce stress and ease tension. And most importantly it can help you use your words in ways that encourage others and please God.

- Steve A