Missives

Christian Mindfulness

By Bro. Vince Kluth
God's Word speaks much about our tongue and its use. We read that counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

God’s Word speaks much about our tongue and its use. We read that counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.  Several excellent aids to “draw out” the thought processes which drive a tongue’s reaction came across my desk this week (primarily from my son’s Landmark Freedom Baptist homeschool curricula) [1] which I thought to share.  Consider posting these nearby as I have.

 

This short list offers easy-to-digest tips which admonish and reprove how we are to mentally treat others before speaking.  Which do you need to be reminded of the most?

 

Slow to suspect - quick to trust

Slow to condemn - quick to justify

Slow to offend - quick to defend

Slow to expose - quick to shield

Slow to reprimand - quick to forebear

Slow to belittle - quick to appreciate

Slow to demand - quick to give

Slow to provoke - quick to help

Slow to resent - quick to forgive

 

This next short poem should prevent us from getting “The Selfie” award, where our speech tends to be about ourselves, our woes, and our lives.  Christians are to love one another, and not be desirous of vain glory. One approach is to consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. We are to look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.  When another Christian’s speech falls short of this mark, God through Paul exhorts us to [forbear] one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  Consider taking one stanza of the poem and use it to construct a bridle for your tongue this week.

 

 

A Memory System

Priscilla Leonard

 

Forget each kindness that you do

As soon as you have done it;

Forget the praise that falls to you

The moment you have won it.

Forget the slander that you hear

Before you can repeat it;

Forget each slight, each spite, each sneer

Wherever you may meet it.

 

Remember every kindness done

To you, whate'er its measure;

Remember praise by others won

And pass it on with pleasure.

Remember every promise made

and keep it to the letter;

Remember those who lend you aid

And be a grateful debtor.

 

Remember all the happiness

That comes your way in living;

Forget each worry and distress,

Be hopeful and forgiving.

Remember good, remember truth,

Remember heaven's above you,

And you will find, through age and youth,

True joys and hearts to love you.

 

[1] Landmark Freedom Baptist, Personal Development For Young Men, 2016, pgs. 23, 67

 

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