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Quiet Time
by Kasia Kedzia
Sometimes, I don’t think before I speak. I tend to speak my mind, literally- a thought pops into my mind and then comes out of my mouth. Sometimes this is good. It means I say what most people in a given situation where thinking anyway but were afraid to say. Sometimes I state the obvious, and as a result I am often described as a “truth teller” or as someone who “calls it like it is.” But what I realized is that sometimes my words and speech are not deliberate and some of my “truths” are just plain pointless. If my purpose is to glorify God in all aspects of my life, then my speech too should glorify God and should be purposeful. The things I say may very well be true but that does not mean they need to be said.
Psalm 147:11 (TEV) He takes pleasure in those that honor Him; in those who trust in His constant love.
Rom6:13 (TEV) Give yourselves to God […] Surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes.
If I do not speak with the purpose of Glorifying God in some way, shape, or form, my speech is purposeless and let’s face it, if it’s purposeless then it’s a waste of air, time, and plain unnecessary. The other sad draw back to this is that if my purposeless speech outweighs my purposeful speech then sometimes the things that are important and from God will not be heard. This also limits the amount and type of people I can reach for Him, as not everyone can handle my “style” of communication. This can border on abrasive or harsh at times. Don’t get me wrong if you speak to most people who know me they will tell you I am a relatively encouraging person and I really don’t go around talking crazy and hurting peoples’ feelings on a regular basis. But thanks to the advisors and friends in my life who want to call me higher, I have noticed that sometimes my speech can “border disrespectful and/or inappropriate.”
Interestingly enough, I remember earlier in my walk with God paying more attention to this and really devoting more time to discerning my speech. But somewhere along the way I have become complacent in this area. As I focused on other parts of my character I have slacked in this one. After examining some more scriptures I realized that the depth of my bible study in this area has also not been what it should be.
James 1:22 (NIV) Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Matt7:24 (NIV) Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
I cannot tell you how ridiculously hard it is to pause before saying some of the things I think. It is even harder to pray in those moments. There are moments where something will just slip but it gets a laugh or a reaction (I have gotten away with saying something purposeless and funny) so I just keep going. This too is no good because eventually I cross the line somewhere. My heart is to glorify God and build others up and some people who know me see that but because they see it they can also excuse this act in me. I want my actions and my words to have meaning. I want there to be clarity in my purpose of speech and for all who hear it to see my heart not just those who know me well.
One thing I have noticed is that in preparation for a job interview or in addressing someone in a formal setting I can put much more thought into my speech. So why wouldn’t I make more of an effort to do the same with all those around me? It takes a lot to pause in silence, even if it is awkward, but for me it is a matter of listening to God’s spirit within me when it attempts to halt me. I need to focus on the purpose in my life in order to see what God is doing as well as allow Him to use me to show others what He has done. I don’t want to stumble over myself or cause anyone else to stumble. I want to be able to see what He is revealing and help others see it as well.
Proverbs 29:18 (The Msg) If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.
Proverbs 14:3 (The Msg) Frivolous talk provokes a derisive smile; wise speech evokes nothing but respect.
A friend of mine shared a quote with me recently that really summed it up well, “The wise speak when they have something to say but the foolish speak when they just want to say something.” (Author Unknown)
I really don’t always need to say something.
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Since those first days, I have made it out of the Projects, finished my Masters degree in International Development, and moved to DC to work in my field. As a young single Christian woman my struggles today are a little different than they were when I first came to know God, but who am I kidding, not much. It's the every day battle for my heart to be pure before God, to strive to please him, and help others to seek and know Him.
Over my years of a faithful walk with God I have received much grace and compassion and have been blessed beyond my wildest dreams. Through out it all one thing has stayed consistent: God's word. Through His word I have been inspired and it has kept me faithful even when faith seemed like a foreign concept and God seemed deaf to my prayers. I started emailing my Quiet Times which helped me stay accountable as I shared my struggles and fought for understanding. Some wrote back and said they too were inspired and could relate. I hope some of my times can help inspire others who are seeking and fighting just like I am, to get to heaven and take as many as possible with me along the way.
Like what your read? Check out my blog: http://stronggirlforlife.wordpress.com/
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