Sometimes my husband complains that I kiss Winston more than I kiss him, but I maintain that this is true simply because my husband works away from home, and Winston is here 24/7.
Winston has a marvelous white stripe running right down the middle of his forehead, which is a wonderful bull's eye for where to plant a kiss as I walk by. Since he's my constant companion, there are lots of opportunities.
One day I was flitting through the house bestowing kisses on all my loved ones. Winston was first, because of his proximity as my closest companion. Next I approached one of my daughters. She must have read my intention by the look in my eye, because she backed up immediately, threw both hands up in the air and said, "Oh no, you are not kissing me with the same mouth you kissed Winston!"
I thought about that comment this morning when I read James 3:8-10,
"But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be this way."
I wonder if God ever says, "Oh no, you're not talking to me with the same mouth you curse your brothers!"
I know that most of us don't actually curse our fellow man, although some of us might. Sometimes, however, we choose to damage each other with our words. We speak words that are unkind, thoughtless, and hurtful. We use our words to tear down rather than build up, to discourage instead of encourage. Sometimes we leave our prayer time where we have lifted our voices in praise to our Father and slide right into a nasty argument with one of our children.
My brothers and sisters, these things ought not be. . . We can't "kiss" our Father with the same mouth we "curse" our fellow men.
Instead, let us pray with the Psalmist, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, oh Lord," (Psalm 19:14) And then may we make a deliberate and conscious choice to exchange our words of "cursing" for words of blessing.
Imagine what a sweeter world it would be if we each took this principle seriously.
I know God would be pleased :)
May God bless you as you seek to honor Him!
I totally agree. When I have been less than noble with my choice of words in life, I have to be EXTRA careful when I repent and seek forgiveness.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to point out where your post appears on the Better Mom couldn't be funnier. The word's "Do you Kiss your dog" are right over a picture of another dog barring it's teeth : )
ReplyDeleteHi! I'm popping over from time-warp wife.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true. Isn't it amazing how we can be snappy and grumpy with our family and yet the minute the phone rings we answer with the sweetest voice? It just proves that we CAN control our words and tone, with the Lord's help!
I am allergic to dogs and I could never understand how my family could kiss the beagle. I just didn't get it. But then, I just couldn't get close to him beyond the occasional pat on the head.
But then a friend bought me a toy poodle, which I can have. And now I "get" it. I cuddle with her when I watch t.v. and give her a kiss on top of her head. I never knew I could actually love an animal so much, lol!
Wow! Loved it! and love my dog!
ReplyDeleteThis is such an outstanding example of the use of our tongue. Thanks so much...it spoke to my heart. Thanks for sharing this over at WholeHearted Home this week.
ReplyDeleteDogs faithful animals. We need to know something about dogs. Especially those who love dogs. About using dog behavior. And they have some special reasons why they do this.
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When a person looks at their dog is seems like they are always sleeping. It seems like a dog is able to sleep any time of the day or right. This has people wondering how much sleep do dogs need. They need more sleep then a person would think. The dog is not sleeping just to be lazy but to get enough rest.
ReplyDeleteClick here to know more information how long do dogs sleep