Just Say What You Mean

It amazes me how so many people want to make excuses for their actions on a daily basis. I will be the first to admit that I am not perfect, that I have many flaws, and that I get very easily frustrated with the actions of people who just don't seem to try. All that I ask from anybody is that they be straight forward with me-good or bad- and we can make things work out.

It's those kind of people that say stuff to everybody else except to you that drive a pastor crazy. They never come to him with their problems, but blame him when they are not solved. They never share their needs with him, but they complain when he doesn't seem to read their minds and understand what they are going through. They never express their feelings to him, but they sure don't mind expressing them to others. It's those kind of people that turn a pastor's hair gray before its time.

So here's the thought for today-just say what you mean. No more excuses, no more lies, no more gossip, just say what you mean. I will look you in the eye and apologize if I've done wrong and I expect the same response. I will make things right if I have harmed you in any way. Isn't this what the Bible says we are supposed to do-just say what you mean?

Matthew 5:22-24 "But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."

So just be honest with yourself and others-just say what you mean and mean what you say. Put the past in the past and press forward in Jesus name. I promise-you will be glad that you did.