Watch Your Mouth

 6But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod,


 7so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked.


 8Having been prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist."


 9Although he was grieved, the king commanded it to be given because of his oaths, and because of his dinner guests.


Matthew 14:6-9


How many times have we said something only to immediately regret saying it?  What were the consequences from it?  A lot of our pain comes directly from "speaking our minds" and that's a nasty whip looking to lash both you and the one receiving it.  John the baptist was beheaded because Herod spoke foolishly.  He made an oath in front of Herodias' daughter and all his dinner guests forcing himself to keep it even if he really didn't want to.  There's a place and time to speak freely but this must be done in private confidence with a godly lightning rod; otherwise, it'll definitely hurt someone.


I just experienced this last night.  Both me and the other person "spoke our minds" and we ended up nowhere except for hurt.  In the past I refrained from saying what was on my mind for fear that it would hurt the person but as time went on I'm not thinking about that as much and want to defend myself or at very least get my say in the matter.  To be honest there's a burden that's relieved when I say it but it has definite consequences.  I need to learn to express these same concerns and feelings without breaking out the whip so that it can be taken, digested and used for kingdom purposes.  


Father God, thank You for blessing me with my life.  Really, it's not even mine but mine to steward until You call it back to earth.  I pray Lord that I learn from all these experiences and I never get bitter.  When I do head down that pathway I pray for accountability through Your Mighty Spirit to nudge me back. Thank You Jesus, Amen!