How Healthy Am I? (Part 4)

I hope you are tracking with me as together we do a self-check on just how we are doing in our spiritual walk. Today is question #4 of seven questions I am offering up to you to help you in this process. Far too often people fail to take the time to put life on pause and do a time of evaluation. Failure to do so is one reason for the struggle so many Christians experience in their Christian walk. So ... without any further comment from me ... here is question #4:

4. Do I talk more than I listen?

Most of us like to talk … and we like to listen – especially if we are listening to ourselves! But what does God have to say about the use of this piece of flesh that wags between our jaws? 

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1:19)

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. (Proverbs 10:19)

A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions. (Proverbs 18:2)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)

In my reading, I ran across a prayer that begs to be prayed. This prayer captures the essence of the verses quoted above. Let's purpose together to pray this as we start each day. Think of how different our relationships would be if we prayed this prayer and God answered it! Wow!

Lord God,

I ask for the wisdom to restrain my speech and the patience to listen more carefully to others before responding with my own opinions. May I be a gracious and others-centered listener rather than a controlling and self-centered talker. I desire to serve others by listening, caring and encouraging.  Amen. 

 (from Ken Boa, Passionate Living, p. 22)

So … to evaluate how you are doing in life ask yourself this question …. Do I talk more than I listen?

Thanks for stopping by . . . 

pj