Your words may trap you.
Being in ministry for over 20 years I’ve heard many stories about many people. I’ve counseled and been counseled. I’ve told secrets and been told secrets. I’ve heard some pretty crazy things. I’ve always been one to keep people’s garbage to myself though. A lot of people would be pretty embarrassed with the dirt I know about them but I choose to keep my mouth shut. After going through a few tumultuous seasons of my own and having folks who were closest to me, completely betray me, I’ve learned a great lesson. Keep yo trap shut.
1 Thessalonians 4:11 ESV
And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,
Minding our business is what the bible clearly instructs us to do but there’s always a little judge and attorney within us that wants to punish people for their sins. The problem with this is that God always makes it something that bites us in our own rear. I’ve seen it time and time again. When people have accused others of either the truth or lies, and have then levied on them consequences, typically, the punishment they’ve doled out comes back to them in some way. I wish it didn’t happen but God’s word is so clear when it comes to us trying to be judge, jury, and executioner.
Matthew 7:1-5 NIV
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Jesus is clear about the judgement that comes on us. The same judgement we use is the same judgement we reap. The same treatment we give others is the same treatment we receive. The same grace we give (OR DON’T GIVE) is the same we reap!
Galatians 6:7 NIV
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
What we must realize is that when we are so free to speak to others about someone else’s downfall we are hurting the very thing Jesus died for. People. People are what we hurt with our words, that’s why are words are a trap; they will trap us and trap others.
James 3:5-6 NIV
Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
For our own personal safety it might be best if we reserve our judgements and consequences to ourself and to the Lord. I guess the old saying still rings true, “If you can’t say nuthin’ nice, don’t say nuthin’ at all.”
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- Can you remember a time you were afflicted?
- What was your response?
- Are there people you need to repent to for gossip or sin against?
Please leave your thoughts if you feel led and let’s continue the conversation! May God bless you!
We are snared by the words of our mouth. What we say about others will come back on us. This has been the hardest lesson for me to learn in my christian walk. To watch my tongue. Great writing. Thank you and God bless you!
Absolutely, continues to be a life-long lesson!
i wish I would have read this before making judgmental remarks about Creflo Dollar! I regret my words after reading this! I will try to be slow to judge. Thank you, you have no idea how ON TIME this has been!
Yeah man… Unfortunate situation but being in ministry I’ve made some dumb choices, so I empathize with him. Glad it helped!
I believe judgement means to assume things based on heresay or appearance that one knows nothing of concerning another person. The internet has made people so opinionated just because there is a comment section on every article such as this one, and their words betrays their very hearts. To the TRUE follower, he has no authority to judge people OTHER THAN the authority of scripture. Confronting people out of love about their sin is not worldy judgement but righteous judgement.
Very true but to act as if your consequence is Gods consequence is bringing judgement on yourself. Thanks for the comment!
I agree with your article and it is such a hard lesson for all believers as we all have fallen victim. Yet i recently read a sermon series on apathy and the christian walk and one thing that struck me is the difference between being judgemental and making judgements based on anothers behavior. As cheistians we are called to use our intellect to make judgements and decisions based on actions and behaviors. If a fellow christian is acting outside their faith we are called to confront the action not the man. It is difficult and takes maturity but too often i see christians who turn a blind eye and say it is not for me to judge. Its a hard line to find the balance in truth and light. Just a thought. Great article though.
Great article.a hard lesson.Ministry is one of my gifts but decided two years ago not to go to college for it,my son is young,it is exhausting trying to reach people,especialy friends and family,being honest,telling people who I WAS FOR YEARS,A SINNER,A MESS,NOW IT IS MY MESSAGE,WRITE ABOUT IT,GET SHIRTS WITH MY STORY,BEEN JUDGED IN CHURCH,AND BY MY MOM,MY SON CHANGED MY LIFE AND LEAVING NEW ORLEANS TEN YEARS AGO,I HAVE TO WORK ON THIS AND GROW,ITS EASY FOR ME TO PASS JUDGMENT ON THINGS I NEVER STRUGGLED with like drugs or shopping addictions or marriage,when the church has divisions,and cant transition we are causing the opposition,we fight for a position,we get wounded and isolate,something i am good at,so growing daily,getting past scars,healing,keeping quiet,stop taking on trying to change the world,helping every where,posting advice,doing a job in my own strength,realizing people take time to come to the light and truth,I TOOK YEARS TO STOP BEING WITH MEN,MY FORMER PASTOR SAID GOD HAS GIVEN ALL PATIENCE,LOVE,COMPASSION,WE HAVE TO USE IT DAILY,LIKE PUTTING ON CLOTHES,I HAVE TO KEEP MY ATTITUDE IN CONSTANT GRATTITUDE,WRITING ABOUT IT AND MEMORIZING ABOUT JUDGING TAPING IT TO MY MIRROR,TAKING THIRTY MINUTES TO PRAY AND WARN ME,LIKE WHEN I WANT TO POST OR TWEET,I.ASK MYSELF IS THIS NECESSARY,NICE,USUALLY NOT,WHEN TIRED,HUNGRY,I WONT BE ANY GOOD TILL I REST A FEW HOURS AND EAT,AFTER 6:00 pm I CANT TWEET,OR FACEBOOK,SO HAVING A BREAK HELPS ME,NO CALLS SO I CAN TALK TO GOD AND I KNOW HE WANTS ME TO READ MY WORD,AND LISTEN TO GOSPEL MUSIC AND MEDITATE,AND REST,FOR A YEAR SINCE MY CAR WAS TOTALED,IT AFFECTS ME STILL,LEAVING BIBLE.STUDY I.WAS TEACHING,REALIZED SATANS PLAN TO KILL MY MISSION,IT HAS LIT A FIRE IN ME TO STAND,SPEAK,AND NOT REST,DO NOTHING FOR FUN,IF YOU WOULD PRAY FOR ME PLEASE,I HAVE BEEN CRITICAL OF MANY PASTORS THINKING THEY SHOULD ADDRESS AND PREACH WHAT I DO,WRITTEN MANY POEMS ON IT,LOST A BIBLE STUDY SISTER OVER IT, SO I FELT THE STUDY IS NOT FOR ME ANYMORE THE WOMEN ARENT GOING IN MY DIRECTION,DIFFERENT SEASONS GOD HAS REASONS! Good night,my big problem writing essays,prayer!