Speak Only When Spoken to

Reference: John 8:26 I have much to say about you and much to condemn, but I won't. For I say only what I have heard from the one who sent me, and he is completely truthful.

Observation: How often do we find ourselves popping off at someone simply because "we have something to say"? Our criteria as to whether we should say it is simple if it is true and if we feel like saying it. Even when Jesus was responding back to those who hated Him and wanted to destroy everything He stood for, He said only what He heard the Father saying.

What a great example for us. It really doesn't matter if we want to say something in reaction to others. What matters is what God is up to and how our words can be a part of that process or interfere with it. That issue is far more important that getting out what we feel like saying.

Application/Confession: As I read about how Jesus operates, I realize, more and more, how far I am from His example. I need, so much more, to be listening to and watching to see what God is doing in every situation. This demands a level of intimacy that I have not yet obtained, but I want to.

PRAYER: Lord, put a watch over my mouth. Please put the question in my mind; "Is this what God is saying to this person right now?" Help me to be so focused on your purposes that no matter how much I want to speak I will only do so when you direct me to.