Whatever is Pure

As the Presidential election grows closer, the advertisements and mudslinging hurled toward and between the candidates have become more virulent. Accusations abound, and comments are made that in the past were not said behind closed doors, let alone out in public. The media fans the flames of controversy by ensuring only the most scintillating of incidents hit the airwaves. Separating fact from fiction and truth from speculation is becoming more difficult.

It’s easy to get swept into the foray. Politics are discussed everywhere-at work, at home, at church, and even in the grocery store. We all have opinions, and we all want to be heard. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that. But let’s consider how our opinions are expressed (whatever we’re discussing). Do we get so emotionally involved in the issue that we speak heatedly? Do we turn from the topic and denigrate the individual for their viewpoint, disparaging them personally? Or do we use knife-like sarcasm to slice through the conversation?

While watching a particularly pernicious commercial, Jesus words in Luke’s gospel came to mind. (Interesting what God uses to get our attention, isn’t it?) In 6:45 He says, “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.” I believe God was reminding me that no matter how the world acts, I’m to exhibit a different sort of behavior. And the way to do that is to focus on Him and His Word.

Paul’s spoke to the church at Philippi about this, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

The tongue is discussed often throughout the Bible. I’m sure the following verses are familiar to you:

Proverbs 12:18 “There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

James 3:8 “But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.”

I Corinthians 13:1 “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”
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What treasure is in your heart?

Linda Shenton Matchett

​With a BA in Psychology and Masters in Human Resource Management, Linda Matchett has had a wide and varied career as a crisis counselor, HR generalist, B&B owner and youth center director. She is currently the Front of House, Snackbar & Catering Manager at Brewster Academy. A journalist and blogger, she has written for numerous online and print publications. An author of Christian contemporary and historical fiction, Linda is also a a motivational speaker. Available topics include Life on the (WWII) Home Front, Wartime Baking, Women in the (WWII) Workforce, The Writer’s Life, God in the Workplace, The Proverbs 31 Gal: The Woman We Love to Hate, and Ruth: Lessons from a Foreigner. Linda is a member of First Baptist Church Wolfeboro where she sings in the choir and serves as Church Treasurer and a member of the Fellowship Team.

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