Check out this World War II poster.
I live with a couple of history buffs. They love this sort of thing and I enjoy watching their enthusiasm when learning some historical fact. I love it even more when it brings to light a spiritual truth.
We've all heard the expression loose lips sink ships but chances are we don't know it's origin. Millions were drafted or volunteered for our armed forces during WWII. The military needed to convey a life or death truth to these civilians turned soldiers. It was imperative that they understand the importance of keeping information confidential. If a soldier revealed details of routes or plans, even inadvertently, in letters or careless conversation - it could be intercepted and result in the slaughter of his fellow warriors. Soldiers were also taught to keep silent when coerced or tortured. They were loyal to one another, refusing to endanger those who stood alongside them in battle.
Take it from me, we can learn so much from this example. My twist on this slogan is:
Loose Lips Sink (Friend)Ships.
Chances are we have each been on both sides of this sad reality. We've been the one with loose lips and we've been the one to sink. In both instances we've had to deal with the carnage. Both sides are awful but this scenario isn't inevitable.
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1Thessalonians 5:11
The key to these is a transformed heart.
For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Matthew 12:34b
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23
A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. Proverbs 16:23
For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45b
But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. Matthew 15:18
A heart transformed by repentance and faith in Christ is transformed. That heart, moved by genuine love for God and thankfulness for His grace so freely given, longs to love others. We recognize just how great God's love for us really is and we want to share it. Do we still mess up? Sure we do! Then we run to the cross, repent, and then make it right with those we hurt. We move forward confident that He is always at work in our hearts - changing, shaping, purifying, drawing us to Himself. We must be careful to guard our hearts and our lips. Take it from someone who knows. I pray that you will be blessed today and that you will know the immeasurable love of God and the freedom that comes from a life surrendered to Him.
I love this blog, Misty. I think there are a lot of gossipers out there that do it for sport, but...for some of us, we fall prey to it because what we think is okay usually starts to get twisted up into the gossiping role. I can start out thinking it is okay to use a "story" as an example to witness to someone the problems or struggles another has gone through to help someone new, but then later...I worry that I broke someone's confidence or may have slipped up and said who it was that it happened to. My intentions were honorable at first, especially when I think that I am doing good by asking others to pray for them...but slowly it's twisted into something ugly. I'm a talkative person and usually say exactly what I am thinking...so, I beat myself up later or worry over "did I tell someone something that was none of their business?" I work everyday to tighten my lips, and loosen my heartstrings. Thanks for finally saying what we all should be striving for in our friendships. ~Lynn
ReplyDeletewell said Misty and lynn!
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