Twenty-four hour what?!!! This is a rule I created to help me stay out of trouble... and I can say it really works, but it takes practice.
I had a really bad habit of saying things before I had a chance to think about them. I'm sure I am not the only one with this disease of having a foot shaped mouth. I tend to be like Peter in this area. Trivia - Did you know that Peter was known as the disciple with the foot-shaped mouth? why? because he was always putting his foot in his mouth - speaking before thinking. This can be found in the book "Twelve Ordinary Men. Interesting reading... anywho...
Many times I have given my opinion before it is needed or even wanted. And many times I have given my opinion before I knew all (and I mean all) the facts. I have expressed my opinion without concern for other's feelings and I have given opinions trying to protect my feelings (Get them before they get you attitude). Either way giving an opinion in the heat of the moment can be detrimental to your witness (personal testimony) and/or detrimental to the person on the receiving end.
Keeping our emotions in check is a sign of maturity and wisdom. If you are not sure how to respond, it is best to wait 24 hours. During that 24 hours you have a chance to meditate and pray asking for guidane and wisdom. It is also during that 24 hour period all parties involved have had a chance to cool down and look at the issue objectively by putting their feelings to the side. Most of the time 24 hours later it doesn't seem as big of an issue as it was the day before. Sounds weird.. but it is so true.
Twenty-Four hour rule... practice and pray.. it will come and you will be a better Christian for it. No longer will you be eating "piggies" for breakfast and "crow' for lunch.
Parting Note: There are times where an immediate response is needed. For example; Squashing gossip before it gets started; Standing up for God's Holy Word; and standing up for your rights as a Christian and a Child of God. With practice and prayer you will be able to conquer your foot-shaped mouth and will spend more time doing creative things and not having to explain your actions.
Think About It: Our words are like toothpaste in a tube. Once you squeeze the paste out of the tube you can't put it back in... Once you say it.. you can't take it back.
I had a really bad habit of saying things before I had a chance to think about them. I'm sure I am not the only one with this disease of having a foot shaped mouth. I tend to be like Peter in this area. Trivia - Did you know that Peter was known as the disciple with the foot-shaped mouth? why? because he was always putting his foot in his mouth - speaking before thinking. This can be found in the book "Twelve Ordinary Men. Interesting reading... anywho...
Many times I have given my opinion before it is needed or even wanted. And many times I have given my opinion before I knew all (and I mean all) the facts. I have expressed my opinion without concern for other's feelings and I have given opinions trying to protect my feelings (Get them before they get you attitude). Either way giving an opinion in the heat of the moment can be detrimental to your witness (personal testimony) and/or detrimental to the person on the receiving end.
Keeping our emotions in check is a sign of maturity and wisdom. If you are not sure how to respond, it is best to wait 24 hours. During that 24 hours you have a chance to meditate and pray asking for guidane and wisdom. It is also during that 24 hour period all parties involved have had a chance to cool down and look at the issue objectively by putting their feelings to the side. Most of the time 24 hours later it doesn't seem as big of an issue as it was the day before. Sounds weird.. but it is so true.
Twenty-Four hour rule... practice and pray.. it will come and you will be a better Christian for it. No longer will you be eating "piggies" for breakfast and "crow' for lunch.
Parting Note: There are times where an immediate response is needed. For example; Squashing gossip before it gets started; Standing up for God's Holy Word; and standing up for your rights as a Christian and a Child of God. With practice and prayer you will be able to conquer your foot-shaped mouth and will spend more time doing creative things and not having to explain your actions.
Think About It: Our words are like toothpaste in a tube. Once you squeeze the paste out of the tube you can't put it back in... Once you say it.. you can't take it back.
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