I was speaking with a customer the other day. He has worked with the public for over 35 years and was speaking about the challenges that presents. He said something that really struck a chord with me. Something I struggle with, though not so much in my working relationships, as much as my close personal ones. He said, “when engaged in a confrontational situation, if you say something that makes you feel good, you probably said the wrong thing.”
I’ve never heard it put like that, but I found that to be a very true statement. I often hammer back a reaction, just to do damage. Why? Because I can? Because it makes me feel a win? Well, its wrong.
James sums it up well in chapter 3. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. James 3:8-10 (NKJV)
How can one profess the glory and love of God, then blast another with an assault of words? Answer, you can’t.
Lord, help guard my tongue. Father, curb my desire to lash out verbally. Allow me the grace for careful, thoughtful response. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
