Today's Scripture Reading (March 11, 2024): James 3
A 19th-century philosopher, William James, wrote, "The greatest
discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering
his attitude." James, the brother of Jesus, an
early church leader, and the author of the biblical letter, would agree, but he
would tell you that your tongue drives your attitude.
A few years ago, I was in a meeting, and an issue was introduced to the
board members. The solution was going to cost a bit of money. I admit that I am
a bit cheap. I don't mind spending money if I can see its purpose. If you can
convince me of the purpose and that God can use something to increase his
kingdom, then I am all for it. But I was sitting in this meeting, and money
wasn't plentiful (by the way, this meeting wasn't in my church; it was with a denominational
board on which I was serving), and an idea came up that I thought was stupid.
So, I said so. And one of the other board members said, "Oh Garry, that is
why we like you. You say no to everything."
The comment hurt because I didn't want to be that guy. So, I started to
try to change my tongue. I had overlooked the power of my tongue; I was seen as
a negative guy, and I didn't want to be that guy. That day, I decided to listen
more and be willing to be convinced. Unfortunately, I was being steered in a direction
I didn't want to go by my tongue.
I also didn't want my tongue just to become neutral. If my tongue was steering
my boat, I wanted to make a radical change and ensure that my tongue was
steering me in the right direction. Eventually, instead of being the negative
guy, people made fun of me because I seemed to be "Pollyanna."
Pollyanna was a character in a children's book who liked to play "The Glad
Game," And the Glad Game involved trying to find something good in every
situation.
If I have become Pollyanna Mullen, it is only because I have changed my
tongue. I wanted my tongue to take me where I desired to go, so I needed to
make a positive change. Sometimes, I mess up. But I am trying to take control of
my tongue.
A little while ago, I received one of the best compliments I could have
imagined. I had been talking with a friend. I love my church and brag about the
people and everything they do. And my friend said, "You get it."
I was confused and asked, "What do you mean that I get it?"
And he replied, "You get it; you get that your job is to invest in your
leaders and let them lead. Some pastors feel they are competing with their
leaders, but you don't. You brag on them." And I hope that I do.
And I hope that you do. We need to invest in each other; it is part of
what the community is all about. You are not competing, but you are to invest
in each other, and that investment begins with what you say.
Tomorrow's Scripture
Reading: James 4 & 5
Personal Note: Happy Birthday, Dad.
No comments:
Post a Comment