The Cutting Edge!

We hear a lot today about “cutting edge” technology and it is amazing how quickly some things are changing. But in the midst of all that, there are still some struggles in the world that do not change. In spite of all the technological advances which continue to benefit life in the world there is still much conflict between individuals. Quite often, at the root of the conflict is a “cutting edge” that needs to be avoided.

Solomon wrote:
“There is one whose RASH WORDS ARE LIKE SWORD THRUSTS, but the TONGUE OF THE WISE BRINGS HEALING.” ( Proverbs 12:18 ESV)

Words can cut very deeply. They can damage! They can scar! They can destroy!

As I began today's message, a story that was shared with us recently via e-mail came to mind. ( I do not know the author, but if you do, please let me know so I can give them credit.)

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THE FENCE
There was a little boy with a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, to hammer a nail in the back fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Then it gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, “You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I’m sorry, the wound is still there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us. Show your friends how much you care.
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Think about it. Let’s consider what we say. May those around us not receive the “cutting edge” of our tongue. Just as we would not be reckless with a sharp knife, let us not be reckless with our tongues. Rather than words that pierce, let us extend WORDS OF HEALING. In a world plagued with selfish ambition and conflict, we may be noted as being involved in “cutting edge” humanity. In this we will be shown wise!

Have a great day BRINGING HEALING INTO THE LIVES OF OTHERS!
Carl
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[This focus was originally sent 08/29/1998, (Edited some and the passage has been changed to ESV)]

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