"...Everyone knows that..."

Everyone has thought this. I most often think this in Sunday School or when in deep discussion with friends. When someone expresses an opinion about Christianity that I don't agree with, sometimes I'll keep quite. I won't offer my opinion unless they believe a totally unintelligent ideal. Usually, my excuse is "Why say what I believe? Everyone knows that viewpoint..." That thought is such a trap! When a belief is expressed by a friend and I don't agree with it, I think of my belief but don't share it. I think, "If they believe that way, they surely have considered the other options and chosen the one that makes most sense to them. Disagreeing would just make me look foolish." This type of thinking is simply not good. When I think that thought, it keeps me from speaking up and saying what I believe.

Many people don't grow up in church. Many people don't read the Bible. Since many people don't spend a lot of time with strong believers or in God's Word, they wouldn't know many Biblical or godly beliefs or foundations. Without that knowledge, they will believe something else. If nobody tells them something different, how can they ever know? Don't be afraid to share your beliefs. Without you expressing your beliefs, that belief may never be voiced.

Recently, a fellow blogger wrote about her interpretation of a verse. She thought it meant one thing; I always thought it meant another. I suggested my thought and she quickly and readily agreed with me, saying my interpretation made more sense. Voice your beliefs. Don't shrug it off. What if your belief changes a life? Speak up!

Fools Blurt Out Folly

Communication is key. Good communication skills are necessary to be successful in live. I couldn't explain my struggles to my youth pastor if I couldn't articulate my problems well. I couldn't blog if I didn't know how to put thoughts on paper. I couldn't enjoy conversations with people of all ages if I didn't know how to simply talk and listen. I couldn't get a job if I didn't know how to promulgate myself in a positive manner.

In the book of Proverbs, there are dozens of verses about good, and bad, communication. Here's some of my favorites:

With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.

Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.

A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.

The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.

Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk, and so the innocent escape trouble.

An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.

The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.

It's pretty obvious that good communication skills are imperitive. Here's what I learned from Proverbs: Always tell the truth, don't say bad words, be kind and uplifting, and hold my tongue when necessary.