WHAT'S YOUR MOTIVATION?

Flipping through the cable channels one night, it came to me that I had grown numb to the cursing and foul language emanating from my television.

When did that happen?

Where did the censors go? Do they still exist?

When did we become a society that throws caution not to the wind but in the trash when we communicate?

Are we driven to be heard by any means necessary? And if so, it this okay?

We have become some insensitive to the lack of kindness and integrity in our world that it seems antiquated to even speak about it.

(I can feel the grays hairs going from my scalp.)

I know my words might fall on deaf ears, but I'll do it anyway because I care how we treat each other. How we speak to and speak of one other still matters, or it should.

Elihu, the passionate millennial speaking to a suffering Job knew this. Frustrated by Job's justifications as to why he didn't deserve this plight, Elihu chastised Job. But he did so in such a way as we can all learn how to chasten with kindness.

How?

Know Your Motivation

My words come from an upright heart; my lips sincerely speak what I know. Answer me then, if you can; stand up and argue your case before me. I am the same as you in God’s sight; I too am a piece of clay. No fear of me should alarm you, nor should my hand be heavy on you. Job 33:3-7

Is the world playing checkers while you're playing chess? As Christians, the fruit of our lips is intended to heal, not destroy so remain conscious of what you say and how. If your emotional need to be heard is stronger than your desire to look like God, you might want to press "pause" before you move forward.

It was Elihu's 5-chapter appeal to Job about the power and majesty of God that ushered in the Lord's response, and it began with a moment of sincerity and transparency. This is a "Christ-like" moment, where the vulnerability of one is used to bridge the gap between God and man.

The person you need to talk to may not know your motivation, but God does. Your behavior reflects how you feel about the Christ that saved you and can open the door to someone being saved. Make sure your approach to hard conversations looks like love.

No censor needed.

SEE YOU THERE!

~

WRITER | MENTOR | TEACHER

LOVER OF CHOCOLATE |

PURPOSED TO EMPOWER |

30+ YEARS IN MINISTRY LEADERSHIP |

PREACHER OF THE GOSPEL

Phillipa also the Founder of ilooklikeLOVE, Inc., a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization providing diaper assistance to families in need and opportunities for mothers to empower themselves.

Look for her upcoming book,

GOD n You: Finding Your Place in Forever.