It\u2019s time to wrap up 2017 and make New Year\u2019s resolutions. While I want to make continual progress in the stereotypical categories of food, fitness and finances, a different area of health is on my mind for 2018. I\u2019m seeking wisdom from Scripture and accountability from a close friend to help me in this endeavor, because I want to get it right.<\/p>\n
This year I resolve to use my words well.<\/p>\n
Careless communication doesn\u2019t seem too bad in the typical laundry list of sins and shortcomings. That\u2019s the issue, though. I\u2019m tempted to chalk it up as no big deal, even though the Holy Spirit has been prompting me to work though some things and move forward.<\/p>\n
After all, communication is not isolated to individuals. Our words, or lack of words, affect our relationships with friends and family, dates, acquaintances and those with whom we\u2019re connecting online. So, let\u2019s own up to any problematic patterns or hang-ups and pursue relational health in the new year.<\/p>\n
Here are a few areas of communication for your (and my) consideration when building our New Year\u2019s resolutions.<\/p>\n
Build up, don\u2019t tear down.<\/strong><\/p>\n Although this is basic, it bears repeating. Let\u2019s commit to remaining (or becoming) encouraging, uplifting Christians as opposed to Debbie Downers or irritable people who seek to argue, win and be \u201cright,\u201d squashing others in the process. Each individual we encounter in our day to day lives matters as a deeply loved image bearer of God.<\/p>\n We ought to treat everyone well, with kindness and respect. Let\u2019s lean in and listen, notice goodness and take the time to compliment others. We can use our voices to speak specific, timely encouragement. You never know when you\u2019ll be used to build someone up when they need it the most.<\/p>\n There is enough negativity in the world. We don\u2019t need to add to the gossip, slander or time-wasting quarrels. Aside from being wrong, it\u2019s unattractive. We can do better in 2018.<\/p>\n Proverbs 18:21 reminds us \u201cDeath and life are in the power of the tongue.\u201d May we be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and bear the fruit of a life-giving tongue for the benefit of others and ourselves and to honor God.<\/p>\n Curb the snark.<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019m guilty of being snarky \u2013 two hands raised. In fact, my fleshly nature wants an eye roll reaction available on Facebook amid the current options. There is simply no small amount of dumb stuff on the interwebs alongside the cute kiddo photos and fun vacation snapshots. Sometimes an overabundance of those leads to an eye roll, too.<\/p>\n Unless you \u201cunfollow\u201d those who serve as snarkiness triggers, it\u2019s likely that you\u2019ll have plenty of opportunities each day to make snarky or sarcastic comments online or throw down an uncharitable GIF. But we don\u2019t have<\/em> to go there. We can see a post, choose to be gracious and ignore it.<\/p>\n For me, it comes down to my overall attitude and where I want to expend energy. Am I constantly dwelling on and contributing to a critical spirit? Yuck.<\/p>\n Sometimes snark is appropriate and funny. Sometimes it\u2019s not. As we consider our online and real world presence, let\u2019s keep in mind Ephesians 5:4: \u201cLet there be no filthiness or foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.\u201d<\/p>\n Beware of “electronic courage.”<\/strong><\/p>\n Have you noticed shocking online comments that would never be spoken to a person\u2019s face? One of my pastors calls this \u201celectronic courage.\u201d Because we can hide behind a computer screen, we somehow think it\u2019s OK to unleash, criticize, or \u201ccall out\u201d people with whom we disagree or dislike. Nope.<\/p>\n Our tweets, posts, blog comments and emails bear witness to our character. If we\u2019re going to say it online, it ought to be something we can stand behind and say aloud in person with our name and face visible. \u201cFor there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open\u201d (Luke 8:17, NIV). If no one else sees, God sees. Our words matter.<\/p>\n \u201cLet no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.\u201d (Ephesians 4:29)<\/p>\n Speak up.<\/strong><\/p>\n There are times to speak the truth boldly and courageously against blatant evil. In 2016 and 2017 in particular, several systemic injustices in the United States were brought to new light. What are we as individuals going to say and do about it? How can we best represent Christ in these matters?<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to remember that our words (or our silence) speak volumes to those who are personally affected. If you have not been marginalized, it\u2019s wise to take time to listen and learn from people who have been victimized, silenced or oppressed. It\u2019s always OK to say \u201ctell me more\u201d or \u201cI don\u2019t know much about that topic, but I\u2019m willing to learn\u201d before forming an impenetrable opinion or speaking up foolishly. Who will fault you for being open to education and correction?<\/p>\n \u201cSpeaking up\u201d is an area of communication in which I want to grow in discernment in the new year. I need to know when and how to best use my voice in the areas of influence I\u2019ve been given. These are always<\/em> important matters, but are particularly relevant today in our current messed up and mixed up political and social climate\u2026on both sides of the aisle.<\/p>\n Seek the wisdom of Scripture. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower and guide you, and I will do the same.<\/p>\n Remain silent.<\/strong><\/p>\n Not everything I think in my head needs to be said. Not every post I read needs my two cents. Not every adventure needs to be photographed. Not every difficult experience I\u2019ve been through needs to be up for public consumption in full detail. Some things can (and should) remain private or shared only with my IRL (\u201cin real life\u201d) relationships. Our electronic trail follows us for the rest of our lives. Post with caution.<\/p>\n A verse that has been guiding me lately is 1 Thessalonians 4:11: \u201cMake it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands\u2026\u201d There is nothing wrong with being hidden in Christ. In fact, some of the best work goes unnoticed by the world at large as people go about their days in anonymity. Wise, healthy communication sometimes means restraint.<\/p>\n \n More than anything, I want my words in 2018 to be true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and praiseworthy, based on Philippians 4:8. Let’s use our voices for good and be a blessing to those in our paths. I’ve resolved to improve my communication skills in the new year. Will you join me?<\/p>\n What are your New Year\u2019s resolutions? Are there any areas of communication in which you\u2019d like to grow in 2018?<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" While I want to make continual progress in the stereotypical categories of food, fitness and finances, a different area of health is on my mind for 2018.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":21001,"menu_order":0,"template":"","categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13654","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-personal-growth"],"yoast_head":"\n
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