Slaves To Our Words  PRO

SLAVES TO OUR WORDS

Noted statesman Sir Winston Churchill once said: "We are masters of the unsaid words, but slaves of those we let slip out." Churchill's words echo those penned by King Solomon almost three millennia ago.

We're all guilty from time to time; I know I am. There's been times when I should have remained quiet; instead though, I blurted forth foolishness. Here's one example.

A few years ago I was soon to graduate with my Masters of Divinity. I knew God was moving me onto another ministry. Still, I didn't know where, or when. All the same, my boss kept on me to and made sure I actively searched, so that apathy wouldn't slither in.

During these times, the economy strained my former employer's finances. So, I suggested that when I moved on, to replace me with part-time help -- saving some dollars. My boss passed my suggestion onto the Church Council. Guess how they responded? "When's he leaving?" they asked. I didn't know. But, because I opened my mouth, the council set an arbitrary date for my departure. Truthfully, I hadn't planned for their response. Fortunately, God took care of us. However, my words spoken in haste could...