Day 21 - The Self-Absorbed Tongue

Day 21 - The Self-Absorbed Tongue

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Phil 2:4

Haman, in the book of Esther, was a self-absorbed person. He boasted of his wealth, sons, all the honors he had received and how high and mighty he had ascended. In the entire book of Esther, Haman only speaks of himself. Some people are like Haman--all of their conversations are centered around themselves, their drama, their lives, their wins, their losses, their issues, their awards, their failures, etc. etc. etc.!

Okay, GUILTY! I know I struggle with this and I do try to recognize when it is "happening" and shut my mouth of ask a question and listen to the other person. Getting better, but I still have a lot of growing to do in this area. For me, it stems from insecurity. If I talk about myself, I know what I am talking about, I am the "expert" and pretty much know I won't make a mistake.

Isn't that crazy thinking? Yes, Lord I need the mind of Christ. I need to give (my attention) to receive (from others) who that person truly is so that I may weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice! Through my work in recovery, I am learning to identify and not compare. I am also learning to identify and not have to tell others...big step for me!

I've been accused of over sharing---again, not that I am so trusting; just the opposite. I figure if I share then no one will ask me difficult questions or challenge me to reveal hurts and truths I have deep inside of my heart. Hmmmm, how do I change this? Let's look at God's Word because He is Jehovah Jireh, our Great Provider:

"My God shall supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus." Phil 4:19

Always has an answer, God has supplied all my needs-my need to be heard, to be validated, to be confident--through Christ Jesus! That frees me to listen, encourage and care about others. To lead them to the Word where they can profess and hear for themselves the gift of grace that God has freely given.

God is the Great Healer...He will remove our stony hearts, our wicked thoughts, our selfish ways. He who gave so freely wants us to give our time, our ears, our love to others.

Affirmation: Lord, let me think of others before myself. Open my ears to listen and change my heart toward caring for another. I have everything I need; let me be a giver and not a taker Lord. Amen, Sis Lisa