"First, I'd Like To Thank God"

A judge was interviewing a woman regarding her pending divorce, and asked, "What are the grounds for your divorce?"
She replied, "About four acres and a nice little home in the middle of the property with a stream running by."
"No," he said, "I mean what is the foundation of this case?"
"It is made of concrete, brick and mortar," she responded.
"I mean," he continued, "what are your relations like?"
"I have an aunt and uncle living here in town, and so do my husband's parents."
He said, "Do you have a real grudge?"
"No," she replied. "We have a two-car carport and have never really needed one."
"Please," he tried again, "is there any infidelity in your marriage?"
"Yes, both my son and daughter have stereo sets. We don't necessarily like the music, but the answer to your questions is yes."
"Ma'am, does your husband ever beat you up?"
"Yes," she responded, "about twice a week he gets up earlier than I do."
Finally, in frustration, the judge asked, "Lady, why do you want a divorce?"
"Oh, I don't want a divorce," she replied. "I've never wanted a divorce. My husband does. He said he can't communicate with me!!!"

~Provided courtesy of Charlotte Anselmo (thanks, Charlotte!): www.mamarocks.com/double_talk.htm~

Certainly a much lighter way of looking at things, but have you ever tried to get your point across to someone but try as you might, you fought a losing battle the entire time? Sure, we've all been there. Like when you're trying to get a customer service rep to explain all the charges on your cell phone bill, for example (that's a losing battle, by the way). Or maybe you're trying to explain to your child why he or she can't go to this place or the other, why they can't watch a certain show on TV or why they can't have the latest toy out on the market. At times, it's something much more complicated and complex like trying to explain your symptoms to your physician. Whatever the case may be, certainly we've all experienced "crossed wires" when attempting to get our point across.

Sometimes we lose the battle of effective communication because what we say doesn't match what we do. You know, we say we're born again but we still do the things we used to do before "the change." Well, long as it's behind closed doors it's okay, right? After all, what's important is that we don't "publicly" portray our old ways. God understands how it is! Not exactly. Just as we ought not use our tongue to curse our brother and bless God, our lifestyle, our actions, should mirror what proceeds from our mouths--whether people are watching or not. That aside, we are warned in Luke 12:3 that "whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops." Just think back for a moment to all the scandals you have seen on the news of prominent celebrities, people in positions of power and even ministers who led a double life or whose "fall from grace" was broadcast before the world. Eventually--and most importantly, inevitably--one's best-kept secret has a tendency of being exposed.

If we proclaim to others that we "walk in victory," then we ought not walk around with our heads hanging low and looking defeated. If we tell our friends "Christ lives in me," we shouldn't walk around with a scowl on our face. If we proclaim to "love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind," we shouldn't be ready to sell any of the three if the right opportunity came along--well, you get the idea.

So, not only is it important that our speech is correct, but our actions--as the old proverb "actions speak louder than words"--should mirror that. Instead of saying, "I'm going to do thus and so," just do it. Instead of stating that you "don't partake in a, b, c" and you "don't do x, y, z," just live it. Let your actions mirror your words so that even if your words don't come through clearly, your upright behavior will "speak" on your behalf loud and clear.

~My Anointed Quill^TM~

Brought to you by 1 Peter 2:12--"Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."