take every thought, and comment, captive
Frustration boiled inside just like the pot of water on the stovetop behind me.
I’d spent the better half of Saturday cleaning the house only to make it halfway through before my task list was set aside to assist a child in completing a project that took far too long.
Now, with about an hour remaining, I had to get dinner on the table, both girls dance recital ready, and squeeze in enough time to make myself look presentable for the evening.
Despite my great efforts, much of my work had been undone. Crumbs had reappeared on the freshly cleaned floors. The table, that had been cleared off, was back under a pile of trinkets. And it seemed that no matter how quickly or efficiently I was working, the household was working against me.
I was nearing my limit, and I had a list full of comments brewing in my head.
“Take every thought captive…”.
It was if the Lord leaned down and whispered it in my ear. Be slow to speak, Brittnye. Think long and hard about all you’re wanting to say and if it’s necessary to do so.
The timer sounded, and I turned my attention to the pot of rice behind me. I stirred the grains, fighting the tension between my flesh and spirit. Because deep down, I knew my words wouldn’t edify my family. That my thoughts, seeped in frustration, would end up wounding. And in the moment, the release would satisfy my flesh, but regret would be quick to follow.
It always is.
“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
It is the tongue, which God has given to me as a gift, that proves to be my greatest struggle. Maybe you can relate, too. I can’t count the number of times I have recklessly used my words, forgetting that they have the power to wound, until the damage is done. And I’ve learned that, no matter my intention, the one who receives my words decides how they will interpret them… and for how long they’ll hold on to them.
By Sunday afternoon, the chaos had resided, our normal schedule resumed, and I finished my task list. There were still crumbs on the floor, as is the norm. The table was still serving as the catchall for school work and trinkets, per the usual. But my heart was extremely thankful that I’d taken my thoughts, and comments, captive the day before because all the feelings I’d possessed 24 hours ago were no where to be found.
We don’t need to voice every honest thought and opinion that pops into our heads, friends. No matter how long we’ve been thinking it, sometimes it’s best to bind it up and toss it overboard. After all, we have the power to do so. To decide which words exit our mouths.
If it truly deserves a landing place in the ears of another, the opportunity will arise to state our peace. In peace. Otherwise, let’s surrender our swords and choose a better way – the healing, life-giving, relationship-sustaining method of the wise.
