This last week in our Staff Meeting, I said some things out loud. And they weren't horribly critical. I think that they were just funny observations (at least in MY mind). And the staff basically told me how awkward it was to hear them. I told them that's what popped into my mind. And that's when Ethan said, they pop into our minds, too, Trey - but those tend to be INTERNAL conversations with us! 🙂

That was funny. But then it got me thinking, in light of this week's message: how often do we let things slip out of our mouths with no filter at all; things that SHOULD have stayed as INTERNAL conversations that flow out of our mouths. Now again, mine weren't critical at all… having fun with people's names, as I recall. BUT I have to admit that there have been times when what comes out of my mouth IS critical. And like Thumper's mom, I would do well to listen to the advice: If you can't say something nice…don't say anything at all. Especially if I'm not saying things in a helpful way.

Sometimes the things that come out of my mouth have been downright judgmental. And THIS is exactly where we find ourselves in our study in the book of James: slander and unrighteous judgment. And it shouldn't be surprising. Again, James is writing to those who had been a part of his congregation, people in the First Century Church in Jerusalem. And the times they were facing were getting tough. But these were REAL PEOPLE who were learning how to "do life together" in Jesus - people who in many instances came from completely different backgrounds, with the only thing they had in common (often) WAS their faith.