Tangled Cords!

While we were camping last month, as I got out cords for our canopy and ropes for our tarp and for use as a clothesline on which to dry our towels, I was faced with the task of untangling what I had put away last year. Though I had rolled up each piece of rope separately, in storage they had become somewhat intertwined and as I pulled them out they became further tangled. To have gotten angry and begun yanking on them would have only knotted them tighter and created a bigger mess than what I already faced. The only way to untangle such a mess is one section or knot at a time.

Someone has stated, “Most entanglements are caused by vocal cords.” [source unknown]

Perhaps entanglements of that sort are among the messiest and most difficult to unravel. The tangles associated with VOCAL CORDS often come from uncontrolled anger and venting of words soon regretted. And though such actions may hurt others, they also become a trap for those who have spoken without restraint.

Solomon cautioned…
“(24) Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, (25) LEST YOU LEARN HIS WAYS AND ENTANGLE YOURSELF IN A SNARE.” ( Proverbs 22:24-25 ESV)

We must guard against allowing either anger or hasty words to have control in our life. Remember James’ admonition to be quick to listen while being slow to speak and becoming angry. ( James 1:19) We, instead, must learn to exercise some self-control. If we fail to learn our lessons here we will frequently find ourselves having to untangle or dig our way out of situations we have launched into.

Let us be mindful of using our VOCAL CORDS in ways that will glorify God and benefit those around us. With this earnest aim, rather than a tangled mess we will be promoting harmonious chords, a sweetness I believe God intended our VOCAL CORDS to provide.

Have a great day CAREFULLY LAYING THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION!
Carl

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