Every single one of us have said some things that we should not have said. We have gotten upset with someone. Someone has pushed our buttons. Satan has manipulated situations and people to try to get you and I to step out of character. There are even times when someone thinks they have told you off and you had a good clap back response cocked and ready. It is so easy for you and me to respond to someone’s foolishness. We get frustrated and annoyed. But, in every single situation, Jesus wants us to represent Him well so, “You Have the Right to Remain Silent”.
“You Have the Right to Remain Silent” so who will this benefit. This is huge because a lot of times we aren’t thinking about Jesus; we are thinking about telling someone off or giving our opinion. It takes great strength and a level of selflessness to think about Jesus rather than yourself. James 1:19-20 says, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
“You Have the Right to Remain Silent” so be still and breathe. Our human nature is to react. We believe we must do or say something. If we would just take a second, be still and breathe, we would not regret our words or our actions. The word of God says in Psalm 141:3, “O LORD, set a guard at my mouth. Keep watch over the door of my lips.” And to make sure we understood this concept Proverbs 18:13 reminds us, “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”
“You Have the Right to Remain Silent” so listen to the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is always talking but we are not always listening. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 reminds us, “Do not quench the Spirit.” In other words, do not overrule Him. When He tells you to speak, then you speak. We He tells you to be quiet, then be quiet.
“You Have the Right to Remain Silent” so pray. So many people downplay prayer. They do not realize that this is a powerful weapon. Colossians 4:2 reminds us to, “Devote yourselves in prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Prayer will always fix any situation. For James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
“You Have the Right to Remain Silent” so obey. Jesus says in Luke 11:28, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” We must keep in mind that every Christian is not on the same level of maturity as the next person. However, Jesus commands all of us to be obedient. Matthew 16:24 says, “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’”
You and I must understand that we fight best not with our responses but in obedience to God’s word. At the beginning and end of every disagreement, every harsh word, every confusing or hurtful situation, Jesus says, “You Have the Right to Remain Silent”.
Search yourself and go deeper: Think about a recent situation where you said something you should not have said or think about a situation where remaining silent was challenging. Did you honor God or did you honor yourself by your response? Did you hear the Holy Spirit telling you to be quiet or not respond to that text message or that post? Do you believe that God can fight every battle for you?
Action Plan:
- Read the scriptures above again and meditate on them.
- Pray that the Holy Spirit will lead you in every situation.
- Practice listening to the Holy Spirit by sitting before Him quietly.