WWJD? WWJS?

Do as I say, not as I do. If you've heard this saying before, then you know how ludicrous it sounds. Actions speak louder than words; therefore quit the talk and walk the walk. There are too many people today who will chatter idly and appear to listen. Heed the words in James 1:22. "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." If you are not applying the scriptures to your daily life, then you are lying to yourself.

We are instructed in Titus 3:1-2 " . . . to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men." How can you be peaceable when you gossip, complain, argue and slander one another? Where is your integrity? "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." {James 1:26.)

We must be holy. 1 Peter 1:16 explains that we must be holy because God is holy. Therefore, do not let evil pour forth from your mouth. 1 Peter 4:11 says "If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God." For a long time, society embraced the fad of WWJD bracelets. The noble intent was to consider your actions and compare them to Jesus. Is what you were about to do something that Jesus would do? It also applied to facing situations where you didn't know what you should do. Looking at the bracelet and seeing the WWJD was supposed to inspire you to consider what Jesus would do in your situation so you could act accordingly. It's time for a new bracelet. WWJS. What would Jesus say?

Satan and his minions are hard at work. The Bible compares Satan to a lion. He is a hunter and if you lack self-control and let down your guard he will worm his way into your heart and release the reins on your tongue. We were forewarned of the godlessness in 2 Timothy 3. Verse 2 states that "People will be lovers of themselves . . . slanderous . . . without self-control . . . [and) . . . having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." Do not allow Satan to enter your heart. He will not only destroy you, but everyone around you.

If you are running your mouth and saying things you ought not to say {You might earnestly believe some things need to be said but you better think twice.) then you are living in sin. You are a stumbling block to your fellow Brothers and Sisters, not to mention the unbelievers. How can your preach the gospel and allow folly to pour out at the same time? You're a hypocrite and the nonbeliever sees it. As Colossians 4:6 says, "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Let us meditate on the wisdom from Proverbs. Chapter 12 and verse 23 say, "A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly."

Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Proverbs 18:2
A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.

Proverbs 29:11
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.

Let us not be fools, but be wise. God will grant wisdom to those who seek it. James 1:5 tells us so. "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."