So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. John 8:28
Are you one to bite your tongue, swallow down your thoughts and never make a comment? OR do you have foot-in-mouth disease? Do you always wish after the fact you had not blurted out and spoken your mind so hastily? How many bruised feelings and heartaches are caused when we open our mouths before engaging, not only our brains, but our prayers? My times scroll across my heart just thinking about it. You,too?
Then there are those other times when 20-20 hindsight kicks in and you slap your forehead and say,”I wish I’d say that instead.” Or when you wished you’d had the guts to speak up and say what was in your heart. We could dwell in that “wish I had” place for a long time. But it does no good. What is done is done.
Few of us measure our words to God’s standards, but it is worth the try. Jesus did, and as Christians we are to emulate Him. He spoke only what The Father had taught Him and turned to God as his sole authority. That meant yielding to God’s will, seeking His counsel in all circumstances and trusting. Would life be easier if we did that?
No. Nobody can hardly call Jesus’ life here one earth an easy one. He was misunderstood by his relatives and home town, by his religious authorities and even his closest friends. He traveled with little possessions and had not place to lay His head. He was shunned, plotted against, beaten and crucified. But He always turned to God. His life was purposeful, and his conscience clear. When He spoke, it was more than good authority, it was on God authority.
Whatever we go though in this life, we can do the same. We can choose to do nothing on our own authority, but Seek His guidance first – in the major life changing decisions and in the every day quandaries. As Proverbs 3:5 states, Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
