Well, here I go. Into the world of the blog. I am not really sure if anyone will care too much about what I may have to offer. I truly just need an outlet for my overflowing mind. I am sure there are many people out there who can relate to my plight. You know, the one where you rush around all day doing all the little things just praying for two minutes to sit and do something brainless? The one where your prayers are given the answer you longed for and those precious minutes are granted but your brain does not cooperate? Yeah, that would be me. In those rare moments are when my brain decides to kick it into high gear, dive into the water, and ponder all the stuff of life. To be clear, my brain is a fan of the whole pool not just the shallow end. I decided that I might as well do something constructive with my thoughts and start typing. Even if I am the only one who benefits from the brain purge at least someone will.
My first goal, as I mentioned, is an outlet for my own thoughts on everything from my latest Bible study to that cute thing my kid did. Everything I type will be from a Christian worldview, even the cute thing my kid did. I strive for Christ to be in every part of my life.
My second goal is to speak kindly but firmly and listen well if anyone else does care to read what I have to say and has something to add or ask.
Proverbs 25:11-13
“A word
fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Like a gold ring or
an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear. Like the cold of
snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he
refreshes the soul of his masters.”
What a
beautiful picture this paints for us of how wonderful it is to speak
appropriately! Just think about what this proverb says for a moment. Words that
are spoken “fitly” or appropriately are equivalent to gold and silver. Not only
are they valuable but I can also see that they are rare. I don’t know about you
but I do not stumble upon golden apples nestled in beds of silver every day.
Words spoken well can, sadly, be just as rare as that.
It also says
that a wise reprover is like fine jewelry. When we hear the word reprove it
usually conjures up images of scolding and yes that is what it means but, the
actual definition says that it means to do so “gently or with a kindly intent.”
So this passage says it is right to correct someone with thoughtful and wise
speech.
Don’t leave out the listener though. It isn't always about the one
speaking. This passage says you must have someone with a “listening ear” or
someone willing to hear what is said. So “speaking” properly involves not only
speaking but hearing, or in this case reading.
The last
part of this passage tells us that a faithful messenger is refreshing to the
soul of his masters. It says that someone who delivers a message that has been
given to them by their masters and does so faithfully has done well. This
implies two things: 1. The messenger listened to the masters message and
carried it with them. 2. The messenger delivered the masters message correctly
to the one it was intended to be delivered to. Do we see any parallels to the
Christian here? I hope so.
I think this sums it up for now. I am not sure how often I will be able to post my ponderings but I look forward to having the ability to express those thoughts and, if you decide to join me as I clean out my brain, sharing them with you.
