I asked someone how their day was going the other day at work and they were pretty honest.  They said it was a tough day, they were frustrated and they were about to ready to verbally cut loose on somebody who was getting on their nerves.  I braced myself because for a minute I thought they might be talking about me.  Once I determined I was not the immediate source of their frustration we talked about what specifically was bothering them.  As we talked I shared with them what somebody shared with me one time.  I pointed to my head and said, “When the filter is broken, turn off the sound.”  They laughed and agreed.  They said they knew that the Lord didn’t want them venting their frustrations on other people.

While venting our frustrations on others or speaking harshly certainly is not His will for us, it is definitely something that can happen.  Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 10:5 that we should “take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”  James said in James chapter 3 that we need to control our tongue for “from the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing.  My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”

Our words are meant to edify and build up others.  We are to inform, instruct and encourage.  That does not mean we never address our frustrations with others but it means that when we speak we do so in a way that glorifies God.  To do that, you have to run your words through a filter; you have to take your thoughts and your words captive to Christ.  If you are frustrated, angry, bitter or upset and the filter is just not working, turn off the sound.  Turn off the sound and go and speak silently to the Lord.  Ask God to help you calm down and get the right perspective.  Ask God to help you bring your thoughts and your words captive to the obedience of Christ.  Anything God wants you to do; He will help you to do. He will help you get the right perspective and get your filter back in place.

Until next time, stay strong in the faith.