I get accused a lot of loving to gossip. This flaw is constantly pointed out to me and one I am working VERY hard on. I've always said it is because I lived in a small town and that gossiping is about the only thing to do. The thing is I hated when the gossip was about me. I thought people ought to have better things to talk about than me. As bad as I hated the gossip to be about me, I never stopped to apply that same thought when it came to someone else. I'm learning to stay out of other people's business. It's hard when I am surrounded by it all day, but I have started just letting the information go in one ear and out the other. Their business is just that, their business. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 says "Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business..." Beth then said "it takes great self control to walk away from a great story." It really is hard to walk away from a really good juicy story, but that is not how God wants us to conduct ourselves, so today starts a new day of not gossiping. Pray for me!
I'm going to back track a little because this was talked about before the gossip, but obviously I was convicted to discuss gossiping first. Also in Day 4, Beth talked about exercising self control over the mouth...what enters and exits it. Which also has to do with gossiping but what hit me the most was the entering and exiting. I'm going to go ahead and admit that my mother was right (dang! I hate when that happens!) about this. She has tried to tell me for years that if you listen and surround yourself with trash you will talk like trash. I always told her she was nuts and that just because I listened to certain things doesn't mean I will accept them or talk like them. Wrong O Mary Lou! I found myself speaking trash and not even realizing it. I have learned to separate myself from certain things so that nasty or harsh words don't come out.
A few months ago I saw a sign that said "Lord please make my words come out sweet in case I ever have to eat them." I'm not sure about you but this happens to me a lot! It typically happens when I am upset and my emotions are running high. In those situations, I have started to count to 10 and whatever harsh words need to come out I just say in my head. It works most of the time. There are times when it just bubbles up and spews out my mouth. It is just another thing I'm adding to my "To Do List."
This week was just another powerful week, and like I said I'm glad it ended with self control. For me, it seems all the others go hand in hand with self control. If you are able to control yourself and keep a Godly heart, all the others (love, patience, faithfulness, etc) will follow right behind.
Ladies, this is the end of our road; at least for now. I'm going to take some time off and hopefully pick back up in a month or so with a new study. I have absolutely loved doing this and hope you have too. I also want to say thank you to those who have encouraged me throughout this process. You'll never know what it means to me to have your love and support through this time. It hasn't been easy to step out of my comfort zone, but I have loved every minute of it!
"...well done my good and faithful servants."
Again, this has been a great Bible study for me, I needed a reminder session.
ReplyDeleteSelf-control, I struggle with this in my eating habits, in my jewelry buying, clothes buying, basically stuff buying. I convince myself that I "need" these things, that I "deserve" these things, that all this stuff that I've accumulated is important.
I so aggravate myself because I know better! I know that God will provide for my every need, there's just a major difference in what I know and what actually is reflected in my heart. So, it's a heart problem... I haven't totally surrendered my wants and desires to the only One who can provide contentment. On day 4 the statement was made that "prior discipline prepares us for present dilemnas. The time to prepare for a crisis is in advance and through the practice of prayer." And, I do pray, every day for goodness sake to be content. But, I have to daily surrender the lack of content otherwise, Satan uses that weakness. The statment was also made that "Only YOU can allow God to work contentment in you." Isn't that really what this whole Bible Study has been about? Only God working in us through the Holy Spirit can fill us with each of these fruits of the spirit AND only when our lives are yielded to Him. My desire is that my life would overflow with each of these fruits, so I have some yielding to do.
With Kacie's comment about her Mom being right, I wouldn't have been so adamant if I hadn't experienced it myself. One of my favorite scriptures paraphrased by me is...what comes out of my mouth is a reflection of what is in my heart. When God looks at my heart I so want him to see a heart that glorifies Him.
One of the final statements made on Day 5 was, "Pray for a mouth that glorifies Him all day long." What a difference that would make in our lives!
This Bible Study blog has been so enjoyable. I appreciate Kacie stepping out of her comfort zone by leading us and encouraging us with her comments.
Self-control - yes, I agree it is a struggle, yet such a blessing. When I witness others demonstrating self-control, I am always blessed and encouraged by them. When I am focused on what the Lord wants and doing what would please Him most, self-control seems easier to master. And that is because I am focused on Him rather than myself.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your comments about gossip, Kace. This is something I struggle with as well. Sometimes I even say, "now I know I'm gossiping and Lord please forgive me, BUT..." How terrible is that?! I know this is a matter that needs to be resolved in my heart and that it will need to be a daily sacrifice. Its encouraging to hear that I'm not the only one who deals with this.
Melinda, I have really enjoyed your comments during this study. It has been a blessing hearing your wisdom and I've continually enjoyed your uplifting words. I hope Kacie finds another bible study soon so we can continue this blog relationship. :)
Kace, once again I am so proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone and leading this study. You have been a weekly blessing in our lives. God has blessed you with a gift for leading. We are all blessed that you have embraced this gift and shared with us.
Peace & Blessings,
Emily