THINK
What other people say about you doesn’t matter. What God says about you does. How do you define yourself?
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
She was hurt over the lack of trust and the “behind the back” comments made by her co-worker. Was the one who brought it to her attention even truly her friend? Her fingers flew over the keyboard with words of defense, explanations and justifications of her own actions. She fought back the tears. She had worked so hard in this place!
As her anger and hurt subsided she talked it over with a friend. Her sense of injustice was real. She did need to address the rumors. Thankfully she had not pressed the “send” button on her original email. Together with her friend she explored her options. She truly wanted to respond in a way that would honor her Lord and not simply react only to throw more fuel on the fire.
The business world has its challenges. Many react out of self-defense and are quick to step on those who might get in their way. Insecurity is rampant and can masquerade as “confidential” gossip. Days can be trying in such an environment.
Yet there you are. Appointed by God to this place at this hour. You have His help, the help of His Holy Spirit. You have His word to guide you. You have a different standard to live by. He tells us how to think. The way we think will impact the words that come from our mouths.
When you are faced with gossip, accusations, judgments or when you are tempted to feel you must “play the game” to get ahead, remember God’s way. THINK before you react. Then you will respond in a way that invites God to come into the situation and bring His help and His insight.
As your fingers fly over the keyboard or as your voice rises in defense… pause to THINK and ask these few questions. Is the conversation I am about to engage in:
- T- True? What facts are actually on the table?
- H-Honorable? What am I revealing about my own integrity by how I respond?
- I-Important? Is it important enough for me to validate by responding?
- N-Necessary? Can any good come of pursuing this conversation or is it idle talk?
- K-Kind? Can I be careful not to throw unnecessary stones at someone else?
Jesus’ followers should be the first ones to be peacemakers in situations that are hurtful, volatile, confusing and filled with misunderstanding.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Lord God,
Today I ask You to go before me into the conversations of the day through my words or through my email. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit who is my Helper and who can put the right words in my mouth. Please keep my heart and my attitudes protected and honoring to You. Give me the right understanding of what is really going on. Grant me the discernment I need so I can lay aside self-defense. Forgive me for the times when I have failed to do my part in bringing peace to a situation. May I be Your representative today as I think before I speak. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Question: In which situation do you need to use the “THINK” acronym? How can you be a peacemaker in your situation?
6 Responses to “THINK”
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What a great self-reflective prayer at the end (I always enjoy the practical prayers at the end, that we can pray to help ourselves!) It is challenging to ‘hold our tongue’ & exercise self-control, I must admit but I pray God helps me to control myself. Especially as a New Yorker (in such an impatient, busy city), it is VERY challenging to be kind, selfless & considerate of others even as a Christian sometimes (try rush hour!) But, thanks for this challenging, humbling reminder… I definitely need some of HIS grace in this! Thanks.
I have been in these shoes…and it isn’t easy. She doesn’t work with me anymore, however, she did come to me one day, crying… and said, “I now realize that all these years you aren’t weak, you are just doing as God tells you to.” Our God Reigns!
Gail – my son is in just this situation at work and facing unjust reprimands, possibly a pink slip today. I sent this one to him after talking with him last night. He had already decided to “t-h-i-n-k” and not point fingers, but just tell the truth. This devo you worte will confirm he is in God’s will in this. How awesomely timely for Our Lord to take what you wrote weeks and weeks ago and place it in the daily devo at just the time when someone needs that affirmation. Thanks.
I`m getting better at it ,but am still striving to allow the Holy Spirit to give me the right words/attitude.I`ve spent to many years living defensively…wasting to much time & space. Scary,you bet,but also thankful when I see the changes that have happened in my life & excited for what`s to come!
EXCELLENT!!!!!
I thank God for this devotional this morning. I have recently dealt with the talking behind my back from a worker i thought was a friend and just yesterday i was wondering how to go to her about the matter. But when dealing with certain people you have to realize if it would be beneficial or what would i conquer from saying anything. Im definitely going to use the think factor. Thanks