Speak Wisely

This morning I was given the opportunity to preach at the church here at Namwianga. All of the students were in attendance and about 650 people arrived for the service. In America I would be quite nervous speaking in front of so many peers, but things are different here in Zambia. Zambians do not come to church just to hear a good preacher; they come to glorify God through praise and take part in the Lord ’s Supper.
I gave a 15 minute lesson on the importance of controlling our tongue. Using scripture from Proverbs and James, I gathered thoughts pertaining to righteous speech. I explained that the most important thing one does with his mouth is to praise God; not eating or communicating through language. Through our voices we give glory to God. God is in our breath and our breath is one with God. I explained that righteous speech is limited or reserved, but one must listen as well. A fool may seem wise if he remains silent, but we must be slow to speak and quick to listen. I stressed the importance of using words wisely and giving consideration to the words we wish to speak. My goal was to communicate to the congregation that we cannot allow a worthless worship to God. We must not bless God one moment and curse man the next.
I tried to incorporate a couple of stories and used my papa, Ron Huddleston, as an example. I have been blessed with such wonderful grandparents and when I think of the most righteous people, all four come to mind. Not just because of their continual support and encouragement, but because of the example they set. Without them, I would not have the incredible parents that I do. When I look at my father and grandfathers I see men who are slow to anger, slow to speak, and quick to listen. Growing up, Dad would not punish us immediately after we messed up. He would take time to think and approach the issue with a level head. I chose papa Huddleston as an example because of the tremendous respect he has been given as a true man of God and the way in which he reserves his speech. I remember as a child how quiet Papa would be at the dinner table. Everyone seemed to talk and talk, while papa limited his words. When he did speak, all would fall silent and listen intently to what he had to say; knowing the words were from a man who has truly obtained wisdom. I look up to Papa Huddleston and PawPaw Reely in every way, and hope to one day impact my grandchildren in the same way.