Some of us have made mistakes that haunt us from time to time. At times, we are worried about our sins and the eternity that awaits us. To those who have this problem, I would suggest reading Philippians 3:13 : "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead". We just have to move on with the rest of our lives.
Of course, I am not saying we should make light of our sins. We reap what we sow, and we have to face the consequences of our sins, whether in this life or in the Judgment Day.
It is important to note how we live our lives, both for our own benefits and the good of others.
We are to make it our ambition to lead a quiet life: to mind our own business, and to work with our hands, so that our daily life may win the respect of others, and so that we will not be dependent on anybody (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).
But we need to be gentle and patient with ourselves when we failed to live a good life. We are born a sinful creature; there is always this tendency to sin everyday of our lives. "For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death" (Romans 7:11). So though we eagerly desire to please God and do His bidding, we often failed Him, and failed Him miserably.
Now about idle talk, empty talk, or light conversation. Everyone does it once in a while. How are we going to deal with it? I would suggest we think carefully before we speak. Take your time. To begin with, just be ready with a warm and natural smile. A wholesome talk is what we seek. We want to edify and encourage others, and we want to glorify God in all we do. The idea of "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" (James 1:19) may be applicable here.
I think it is alright to have light conversation. We can give helpful suggestions or some emotional supports. I believe it is an opportunity to help others to live a better life!
I think it is okay to talk to domestic pets and animals too. We are admiring, acknowledging and appreciating God's creations. And who knows if they can understand us, though they can't talk back to us. Sometimes I do talk to my 4 cats who seem to understand what I have said!
And sometimes, I talk to myself too! This helps me gain confidence and feel the reassurance that comes along. They are wonderful gifts and I need them badly sometimes.
Greeting someones and saying well wishes are good too. They foster love, friendship, mutual understanding, and team work. Of course, we must be real, honest, and sincere when we do them.
Sharing occasional jokes and interesting facts are useful too. They help us to relax and combat stress. But surely not rumors, gossips, hearsay, obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes. All these must be removed from our midst!
In inclusion, we have to be careful how we live our lives. God is watching. People are watching. And we don't want to make a mess of our lives.
But we must not be harsh with ourselves. Who haven't erred? Who haven't made terrible mistakes?
It is good if we have daily devotional and prayer time with our Lord God. God knows and sees how we have struggled to love and serve Him.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-6).
Of course, I am not saying we should make light of our sins. We reap what we sow, and we have to face the consequences of our sins, whether in this life or in the Judgment Day.
It is important to note how we live our lives, both for our own benefits and the good of others.
We are to make it our ambition to lead a quiet life: to mind our own business, and to work with our hands, so that our daily life may win the respect of others, and so that we will not be dependent on anybody (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).
But we need to be gentle and patient with ourselves when we failed to live a good life. We are born a sinful creature; there is always this tendency to sin everyday of our lives. "For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death" (Romans 7:11). So though we eagerly desire to please God and do His bidding, we often failed Him, and failed Him miserably.
Now about idle talk, empty talk, or light conversation. Everyone does it once in a while. How are we going to deal with it? I would suggest we think carefully before we speak. Take your time. To begin with, just be ready with a warm and natural smile. A wholesome talk is what we seek. We want to edify and encourage others, and we want to glorify God in all we do. The idea of "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" (James 1:19) may be applicable here.
I think it is alright to have light conversation. We can give helpful suggestions or some emotional supports. I believe it is an opportunity to help others to live a better life!
I think it is okay to talk to domestic pets and animals too. We are admiring, acknowledging and appreciating God's creations. And who knows if they can understand us, though they can't talk back to us. Sometimes I do talk to my 4 cats who seem to understand what I have said!
And sometimes, I talk to myself too! This helps me gain confidence and feel the reassurance that comes along. They are wonderful gifts and I need them badly sometimes.
Greeting someones and saying well wishes are good too. They foster love, friendship, mutual understanding, and team work. Of course, we must be real, honest, and sincere when we do them.
Sharing occasional jokes and interesting facts are useful too. They help us to relax and combat stress. But surely not rumors, gossips, hearsay, obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes. All these must be removed from our midst!
In inclusion, we have to be careful how we live our lives. God is watching. People are watching. And we don't want to make a mess of our lives.
But we must not be harsh with ourselves. Who haven't erred? Who haven't made terrible mistakes?
It is good if we have daily devotional and prayer time with our Lord God. God knows and sees how we have struggled to love and serve Him.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-6).
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