Christian Devotions published a devotional I wrote entitled Breaking Down. For those of you who don’t know, Christian Devotions is a great website for daily devotional messages.
Breaking Down
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 NIV
In frustration or tiredness, I sometimes snap at someone with a snarky comment.
One morning at Home Depot—after working an overnight shift at the hospital—I shuffled endlessly through the vast aisles trying to find a simple list of five items. I had stopped at the customer service desk on my way in to get a list of aisle numbers for my shopping list. However, the clerk gave me the wrong directions.
In the paint department—frustrated and tired and trying desperately to locate cheesecloth—I sternly asked the lady at the counter to call a manager to help me. She told me she was occupied, and I retorted, “Well, that’s why I asked you to call a manager.” Not my finest hour.
Some can relate. Some have more self-control or are filled with a deeper sense of peace, but on occasion, my reaction overtakes what I know I should do.
The Answer?
God offers an alternative to breaking down through Paul’s letter to the Colossians when he says to do everything in the name of Jesus. The verse summarizes the call on our lives to be the most Christ-like humans possible.
What we say matters as much as what we do. Paul gives both equal weight. Often, we speak without thinking, tell crass jokes, participate in gossip, curse, and offer commitments we don’t work to keep without batting an eye.
All we speak reflects who Jesus is to us. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t laugh or that we need to preach every time we open our mouths. But, we should practice awareness of the words we choose to say and how they affect others.
We can be too prideful or busy to put accolades where they rightly belong: with God. Slowing down and taking time to thank God for opportunities, people, and abilities creates space for gratitude to blossom.
We need to give thanks in all circumstances, even when we grapple to stay afloat or control our emotions. Cultivating an attitude of thanks helps alleviate struggles by removing our eyes from ourselves and reminding us of God’s power and grace.
Remember, I am the light of Christ in the world. I need to speak and act in His name.
Love, K.
Author, Ten Iron Principles and Contributor in The Power to Make a Difference
This statement is a powerful reminder to guide our words and actions: “Cultivating an attitude of thanks helps alleviate struggles by removing our eyes from ourselves and reminding us of God’s power and grace.” Thank you for honestly sharing an issue that impacts our lives and our witness daily, Kelly.
We all speak sharply sometimes, but I think it is sooo important to apologize as soon as the words are out of our mouths. That can be a great witness too, humility, owning our faults. C
That is so true! Ownership and accountability matter.
Thank you for this reminder. I am mindful of having a Christian attitude in the midst of my good or bad days. Even so, reading posts like this makes it easier to get through and keep a Godly attitude on those bad days.
This post is a realistic reflection of how we feel sometimes. Thank you for putting it in perspective with our walk with Christ. Slowing down and giving thanks keep our hearts focused on God.
I expect we’ve all been there–said things we regretted and let our frustration overwhelm our patience and kindness. I confess that I have! But, as we know, it’s the goodness of Jesus that enables us to bite our lip during those moments and live by the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) instead. Thank you for challenging me to do better!
I’ve read a lot of articles challenging us to remember what we do is as important as what we say. But I’m so grateful for your post reminding us that what we say still matters. I have been known to be infected with the Snark Virus. It’s chronic and returns often. Thank you for this important reminder to take the antidote.