A man sat down to supper with his family. As usual, he said grace, thanking God for the food, for the hands that prepared it, and for the source of all life. As the meal proceeded, the man began to complain. The bread was not fresh enough, he grumbled. The cheese was too sharp. And the coffee was hotter and bitterer than he preferred.
After a while, his young daughter looked at him, perplexed. "Dad," she asked, "do you think God heard the grace today?" He answered confidently, "Of course." Then she asked "And do you think God heard what you said about the coffee, the cheese, and the bread?" Not so confidently, he answered, "Why, yes, I believe so." The little girl concluded, "Then which do you think God believed, Dad?"
The man usually had a quick response to any question his daughter asked. Now, he sat in stunned silence. The man realized that his mealtime prayer had become a well-practiced habit in which he said words that made him look and feel good. He also saw how his real attitude, as revealed by the spontaneous words in his complaints, was not what he wanted, or even liked.
How Does This Apply to Our Lives?
The story illustrates an interesting thing about the tongue. It can be helpful, or destructive. The tongue can encourage, or discourage. It can spread love, or spew forth venom.
The difference is not in the tongue itself. The difference is in one's heart. Many hidden diseases of the body are detected when doctors look into the mouth. Hidden diseases of the spirit and mind are revealed by what comes out of the mouth.
You see, people get a picture of who you really are by the way you use your tongue. Fortunately, you can frame the content of that picture. As Proverbs 17:28 says, "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue."
Evaluate the words you use and your tone of voice. What picture are you painting of yourself with the things that come out of your mouth?
But don't stop with the question of your appearance. Consider what your words and tone of voice say about your spiritual and mental conditions. Do the things that come out of your mouth reflect God's values and standards? Do they give evidence of a strong relationship with Jesus Christ? If they don't, why not?
For your own health and happiness, deal with the conditions these symptoms reveal. A heart problem can be extremely dangerous if you fail to give it proper attention.
by Rich McLawhorn, Mr. Mom’s Mailing List
Thought for the week: Zoo: An excellent place to study the habits of human beings.
-- Evan Esar, Esar's Comic Dictionary
Funny for the week: One of the world's most famous merchant captains died, having long been admired by his crew and fellow officers. They remained puzzled, however, over a strange ritual he performed daily. While at sea he would lock himself in his cabin and open a small safe, take out an envelope with a note inside and read it. After locking the paper back in the safe, he would return to his duties.
The word got around. For years this went on, and his crew became very curious. Was it a treasure map? Was it a letter from a long lost love?
Everyone speculated about the contents of the strange envelope. After laying the captain's body to rest, the first mate led the entire crew back to the ship and into the captain's quarters. He opened the safe, got the envelope and read the words aloud to an astonished crew:
‘Things every captain should know…
When standing on the bridge looking towards the bow, Port is Left, Starboard is Right.’
Humor
Trivia Note: Did you know that in olden times there was a board that extended from the Right side of the ship where the navigator could step out and see the stars around the sails to navigate by? Since this board was sticking out, the ship always docked on the left side when in port to avoid damaging the board used for star navigation. And now you know where the terms, "Port and Starboard" come from….. true story to…….Chaplain Barnes
Last week’s answer: Which Greek god was Paul once mistaken for? Mercury (Acts 14:12)
This week’s question: Who was the wife of Aquila?
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