Don't Yell!

Every year, before school starts, we, the faculty, attend a meeting. We go over the normal - school calendar, schedules, the duty list, etc. And, then, we are reminded to treat our students well. In the words of our principal, "don't yell! Be positive - be consistent." As teachers, we are reminded to be fair and positive influences to our students. As children, we were reminded "if you can't say anything nice; don't say anything at all." And, as parents, we strive to model positive speech for our children. But, its not always that easy - is it? Oftentimes, we get caught up in the moment, get aggravated, or flat out don't care... and we blurt out things we don't mean.

Back in 7th grade, I learned Ephesians 4:29 (Thanks Coach Turner!) We recited it everyday before class, during class, and sometimes after class. Coach T even created some strange dance and chant to correlate with the verse. Apparently, it worked, I have yet to forget what is says. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Eph. 4:29). Wow! Don't yell (or say terrible things without thinking ahead... (guilty!)). Be positive (encouragement is the key) and be consistent (benefit those around you by constantly presenting God's word).

As people, we are quick to judge, quick to speak, and slow to change our ways. The Bible requires just the opposite. Jesus asks us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry (James 1:19). We are to think through our words, deciding whether or not they are beneficial to ALL who hear (not just those they are intended for), and then, present our words to one another. If what we are going to say is negative, why say it? If what we are going to say harms someone else, its not beneficial. If what we plan to say is unwholesome (as in, you wouldn't want your grandmother to hear it) - filter! If what we plan to say is unnecessary, make it relevant or don't say it.

God requires we watch our words. We aren't just to speak for speaking's sake, we are speak with a purpose. The purpose - the build up others. And, if our words don't have a purpose - we don't need to say them. Enough said.



"Come all you who are thirsty, come to the waters..." Isaiah 55:1