Golden Apple

Silver Setting

^“Saying the right thing at the right time is like a golden apple in a silver setting.” Proverbs 25:11 How sweet it would be if this were always the case! But let's face it, we don’t always say the right thing at the right time in the right setting, and on it goes! Sometimes we wish to relive the moment and take back what we just said. If we eat spoiled food and get food poisoning, usually, in a day or two, we will feel better. But what we say and do can stay with us forever, and the hurt caused might linger a lifetime. God will forgive us when we repent and ask for His forgiveness. But often the damage is done. A word spoken in anger, frustration, hate, or jealousy is impossible to erase. The words are in the ears of those in earshot, and now they are in their memory.

When I asked a co-worker where she attended church, she answered, “I don’t.” She said she was hurt by what someone said and stopped attending church. This is nothing new. It happens often and in many churches. Unkind words cut to the bone because our belief, trust, and knowledge of God and His word are so shallow that we walk away and quit. If we spend time with Him and study His word, we will better understand who He is. We are human, and we are prone to being offended. Maybe the person who spoke unkind words was just an attendee, not saved, or backslidden, prone to making judgments on others, a busybody, and a brow-beater! Certainly not someone speaking with authority, but maybe someone feeling small in need of belittling others. Sounds awful, but this happens because Satan can use people like this for his purpose to drive people away from the church.

Let us not feel alone. Let us not separate ourselves from the flock. Always keep your eyes on Jesus! He will lead you home!

Blessings,

Van