HOW IS YOUR TIMELINE?

December 8, 2017

HOW IS YOUR TIMELINE?

Proverbs 29:10-17

Lauren Evans

Central Truth

Everything we say and do as believers is an opportunity to share Christ's love with others. Our reactions may be hard to control, but could easily have the most impact on someone else's walk with Christ. Are we sharing His story with our lives?

A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
but a wise man quietly holds it back.
(Proverbs 29:11)

10 Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless
    and seek the life of the upright.^{1

29:10
Or but the upright seek his soul}
11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
    but a wise man quietly holds it back.
12 If a ruler listens to falsehood,
    all his officials will be wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together;
    the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
14 If a king faithfully judges the poor,
    his throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom,
    but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
    but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
    he will give delight to your heart.

Footnotes

[1] 29:10 Or but the upright seek his soul

How often do you look or think back on your life's timeline (virtual or otherwise) and wonder how you could have reacted to any given situation differently? With past thoughts, tweets, and "status" updates at my fingertips, it's easy for me to look back and see how much I let my emotions control my reactions. Giving in to my emotions is dangerous because emotions simply cannot be trusted. Emotions are unreliable and fleeting. And the bigger danger is not being aware of the effect our reactions can have on others. Do they see His story, His love, or His sacrifice in our lives? When we speak, share, or post, are we speaking His truth, sharing His love, and "posting" His promises?

As I grow in my faith and maturity in Christ, I am able to catch myself more often before giving "full vent to [my] spirit." But that hasn't always been the case. In Equipped Disciple, a class at Watermark to help believers become better equipped in the basic disciplines of walking with Christ, I memorized 1 Corinthians 10:13. This verse has helped me realize I have full control over my actions, reactions, and emotions, with His guidance. "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

We may be tempted to vent on our social media pages or react poorly to someone else. But as believers, we should be asking with each action and reaction how our words could be impacting others: "With my response to this situation, am I being a blessing or a burden to someone else's walk with Christ?"

Rather than being fools who give in to our emotions, let's strive to be the wise ones who hold back (Proverbs 29:11), tame our tongues (Proverbs 21:23), and take our thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5).

1. What does your "timeline" look like? Is it positive and uplifting because of life change in Christ, or rash and reactive because of your emotions?

2. Are your thoughts and reactions a blessing or a burden to someone else's walk with Christ?

3. What are some other verses you could memorize as a reminder that you can control your emotions with His help?