When My Mouth Takes Over
By Jill Hoven
It’s one of my worst habits. I interrupt. I don’t know why, but I’m often compelled to interject my thoughts into another’s. It’s uncontrollable. Or is it?
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 25:28 how “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” (NIV)
Lack of self-control leaves us open, exposed and bare to the world. Our inner most desires flow from open floodgates. I help typically older people with memory wellness. Many have lost their ‘filter’ and often say exactly what they’re thinking. This varies from refreshing honesty to cruel commentary. But I understand, as sometimes what blurts out of my mouth isn’t always the most flattering, either. How can I control and change this habit?
To change a bad habit, a new routine is needed.
To change a bad habit, a new routine is needed after a trigger prompts our action. So when I’m urged to interrupt, I need to instead be patient and hold my thought (and words) until they’re most appropriate (which could be never!) But how? The apostle Paul had a similar issue and solution in Romans 7: 19 & 24-25:
19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.
24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! (NIV)
It’s not by my own power that I gain self-control. It’s through His.–Tweet this!
I’m not proud of how I butt into other’s thoughts and stories. My lack of self-control in this area is a weakness. But then I look to Jesus. As Paul again reminds us in Romans 12:2:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)
I don’t have to conform to this world. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. My mind which directs my habits is transformed by seeking His will in my life.
It’s not by my own power that I gain self-control. It’s through His.
Prayer:
“Dear Lord, when my interrupting habit is triggered, please grant me your transforming thoughts and self- control. Allow my words and actions to always align with your good and gracious will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
About the Author
Jill Hoven is a nurse who loves to write faith-based encouragement on wellness in soul, mind, and body. She is the founder of MemoryMinders providing memory wellness services to motivated adults. When not cheering her teens at sporting events, she can be found golfing, cooking or by the water. Her writing has been published by Proverbs 31 Ministries and can be found on her blog Follow His Footprints Connect with her on: Facebook and Twitter
Thank you for joining us for this series. All throughout the month of April we will be digging into the word to discover what God has to teach us about self-control. Be sure to stop by Jill’s blog for more encouragement.
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When we recognize a change that needs to be made, we must be purposeful in making the necessary change! It isn’t easy, is it? It takes work – a lot of work. We mess up – but we need to keep trying. Thanks for sharing ion Grace and Truth.
Jill, I’m working on Psalm 19 right now, and your words today reinforce my appreciation for the last verse: May the words of my mouth . . . be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Blessings to you.
Thanks Michele and yes, may the words of our mouths always be pleasing to God and others! I’m a work in progress! Thanks for your thoughts! Jill
Love that verse Michele. Thanks for stopping by.