Changing the Filter

There is something that I have a hard time remembering to do: changing the filter on our AC/Heating unit. When was the last time you checked yours? If left too long, it can be really nasty when I finally get around to replacing it with a new one.

I teach a small group on Sunday mornings for young single professional women. Right now we are doing a study called Divine Design, a study on Biblical Womanhood. We are learning about God’s design for male and female and how differently those roles look according to God’s design versus the world’s definition. Yesterday we had a discussion about how we as women can undermine men with our words. Quite interesting!

One of the things that we discussed was the importance of putting a filter on what comes out of our mouths! For those of you who may be like me, I sometimes speak before I think and as soon as the word is off my tongue, I want to take it back but guess what…it’s too late!

Proverbs 25:11 says, “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.” Have you ever made the mistake of saying the right word in the wrong circumstance? Me too. That is why a filter is important! God has uniquely gifted us as women with the ability to speak many words! Not only that but our words have great influence when they are spoken, whether in the right or wrong circumstance. Oftentimes in conversations with men, we can tear them down with our words and we don’t even know. Sometimes it’s by what we say, how we say it, or just  saying too much! Can anyone relate?

Do you use a filter in your conversations? When was the last time you checked? Like my AC/Heating filter, if not checked frequently, our conversations can get out of control really quickly and then it gets nasty.

Our words can either build up or tear down. Here are some filters for our speech:

• “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29

• “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” James 1:19

• “Put away perversity from you mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.” Proverbs 4:24

• “The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.” Proverbs 10:30-31

• “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness. Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:1-2, 4

That’s certainly not all the Bible says about our words but it at least gives us something to chew on this week! Words are a powerful tool. Let’s be wise women and learn to clean out our filters and speak words that give life.

Is there someone that you need to ask forgiveness from today where you used careless, unfiltered words? Maybe it was your husband, your children, a friend, or a co-worker? You know what, it wouldn’t hurt to say you’re sorry!

Just so you know, Divine Design is a study that I recommend we all take! It will be offered this Fall. Be looking for details!

Julie