Vinegar

I swigged a teaspoon-sized amount of apple cider vinegar.  I did it for no reason at all, other than at the request of my spirit.

Slander and gossip have come easily to me these past few weeks.  In difficulty - and frankly to fill up lulls in conversations - , I have belittled my boss, wagged my finger at my parents' actions, and shared confidential information.  Feeling stuck, frustrated, and justified, I have allowed my tongue to steer me into corruption (James 3: 1 - 12). 

The vinegar's bitterness consumed my sinuses and burned my chest.  I wished I had taken a shot of tequila instead.  Minutes after consumption, as mucus ran from my nose and my esophagus revived a normal sensation, I realized that my tongue's bitterness had consumed me.  I had refused to consider forgiveness, reconciliation, or thoughts of peace, love, and honor. 

Psalm 119:103 - "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth."

What if I took the high road - the Lord's way - and allowed my words, like his, to be like honey. Proverbs 24:14 compares wisdom to the likeness of honey.  And according to apostle Bill Johnson (Bethel Church, Redding, CA), "wisdom recalibrates the value system of a culture".  I can exact culture change - peace, love, and prosperity - through the use of wisdom, in this case "honey-words" to people and situations that have previously caused me to be filled with fear, anxiety, anger, slander, and gossip.

The tough part, though, is getting started.  How do I recalibrate myself to respond to people and situations with honey?  If there's one thing I've learned in this walk, it's that I am not transformed in character by my will alone.  The Holy Spirit meets me in my willing heart and capitulates me to a greater expression of God and his glory.   

So here's the invitation - Lord, I dare to live according to your standards and attributes.  I want my words to be like honey, not vinegar.  Forgive me for my damning tongue and allow me to experience wisdom (like honey) according to your spirit.   I want to use my words to build up others, and cast down the ploys of the enemy for hatred, confusion, and bitterness.   Lord, have your way.