'If there is an itch one does want to scratch... As long as we have the itch of self-regard we shall want the pleasure of self-approval...” C. S. Lewis
“And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. “James 3 ESV
Learning self-control may very well begin with something as simple as bridling our tongue. Sometimes when I am on the verge of saying something, that quiet Voice within encourages me not to say it. When He does, I am always amazes at how hard it is for me to hold my tongue once I have thought of something I want to say. Just yesterday I was going to say something to a friend and felt the Spirit's hand on my shoulder prompting me not to say it. Later, I wanted to tell Brenda what I was going to say and again I felt the same encouragement to keep my mouth closed. I inwardly argued back that all I wanted to do was talk to my wife about it. And, as conversations within often go, I distinctly heard, “Why? What will it profit.” It dawned on me that I did not want to share something with my wife for her profit but to scratch some itch I was having just to talk. Perhaps if I learn to say no to talking I may learn to say no to other itches that want to be scratched. I think I have spiritual poison ivy! 10/28/2010 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill)
Just me trying to be honest with God.
