Do You Have An Answer For Everything?
Do you know individuals who have an answer for everything, no matter what the subject? They seem to have no idea how tiring and how boring their input can become. Maybe the fact that we are a nation that upholds free speech causes us to have a sense of entitlement concerning our opinions.
I have often had to consider the question "To speak, or not to speak?" especially when being looked upon as a voice of authority in given situations. Well, truthfully, I actually had help because I would hear the Father say "Let someone else speak."
Recently, I was contemplating Ezekial's response when almighty God asked him concerning the valley of dry bones "Son of man, can these bones live?" Ezekiel didn't even attempt to elaborate. He simply answered, "Oh Lord God, You know" (Ezekiel 37:3 Amplified). He could have made an effort to expound upon the virtues and might of the Creator, but...
At the same time, Elisha's response came to mind when he admitted to his servant, Gehazi, that God had not revealed to him the trouble that was grieving the Shunammite woman's soul, the death of her only child/son (II Kings 4). Often it is difficult for a prophet to admit that he/she doesn't have a clue.
In the past few weeks, I attended two lovely dinner parties, and a very visible lady in our community absolutely monopolized most of the conversations at both parties. I was embarrassed for her as I overheard other guests lamenting her dominating demeanor.
She was speaking profoundly about the things of God, but she had the answer for everything while minimizing the input of others. A few years ago, I brought this attribute to her attention, but obviously to no avail.
I can understand this dilemma because, nearly twenty years ago, I suffered with the same malady until God told me that He preferred that I know nothing but Christ and Him crucified. Since then I learned to measure my words when I speak regardless to what I think I know.
Let's pray that heaven intervenes and illuminates this situation for these individuals so that they will be more freely received in the Body of Christ and in society at large, as they are usually very gifted.
I have often had to consider the question "To speak, or not to speak?" especially when being looked upon as a voice of authority in given situations. Well, truthfully, I actually had help because I would hear the Father say "Let someone else speak."
Recently, I was contemplating Ezekial's response when almighty God asked him concerning the valley of dry bones "Son of man, can these bones live?" Ezekiel didn't even attempt to elaborate. He simply answered, "Oh Lord God, You know" (Ezekiel 37:3 Amplified). He could have made an effort to expound upon the virtues and might of the Creator, but...
At the same time, Elisha's response came to mind when he admitted to his servant, Gehazi, that God had not revealed to him the trouble that was grieving the Shunammite woman's soul, the death of her only child/son (II Kings 4). Often it is difficult for a prophet to admit that he/she doesn't have a clue.
In the past few weeks, I attended two lovely dinner parties, and a very visible lady in our community absolutely monopolized most of the conversations at both parties. I was embarrassed for her as I overheard other guests lamenting her dominating demeanor.
She was speaking profoundly about the things of God, but she had the answer for everything while minimizing the input of others. A few years ago, I brought this attribute to her attention, but obviously to no avail.
I can understand this dilemma because, nearly twenty years ago, I suffered with the same malady until God told me that He preferred that I know nothing but Christ and Him crucified. Since then I learned to measure my words when I speak regardless to what I think I know.
Let's pray that heaven intervenes and illuminates this situation for these individuals so that they will be more freely received in the Body of Christ and in society at large, as they are usually very gifted.
Views: 33
Tags: answers, entitlement, everything, learn, listen, obnoxious
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Comment by Marion Clark Ingram on February 19, 2009 at 5:03pm
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Thank you, Charles, and blessings to you.
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Thank you, Ron. I made a choice, and I live a life of peace, love and respect. I learned to simplify, and to just let God be God, and He seems to appreciate it :).
Blessings,
Marion
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Comment by Dan on February 20, 2009 at 5:22am -
Plato said:
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something."
Gotta love 'em
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Dan, thanks for reminding me of this saying. Yes, I agree that we "gotta love 'em" while God corrects this and many faults in His own time and way as He has done and is doing with me.
Blessings,
Marion
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Comment by Dena Brehm on February 21, 2009 at 10:06pm -
I've been like that lady at the dinner party. I get so excited about something I'm learning, that I want to share that enthusiasm. And, I know that the passion can come across as adamance ... I say this to my chagrin.
What's tough, is being a woman who's finallly found her voice (after coming out of male-dominated groups) ... there can be a time of swinging to the opposite extreme, in pursuit of a balance (it's that thing I pass in the middle, as I go from one extreme to the other, LOL!).
Some of us also process new things out-loud ... and our wonder at seeing a new thing can be seen/perceived as vehemence. I'll keep working through this with God and others, as I want to respond to His promptings, rather than reacting to my own ego. I figure I'll keep on having mixed motives for a while, but it seems that those are the only ones God gets to work with...! ;)
Good message, Marion!
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Thank you, Bill.
Thank you, Dena.
And most of all, we thank God for His tender mercies and patience toward all of us.
I will endeavor not to forget when I am observing the fallacies and struggles of others.
After I stopped talking so much, I now have to be prompted by the Spirit to speak. Well,
I guess that I will strike a balance soon! :)
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Comment by Connie on February 21, 2009 at 11:34pm -
Sometimes you have to start speaking for the spirit to be able to prompt you. It is easier to sit back and say nothing when you feel impressed to say something because fear and doubt would whisper that what you wanted to say was weird. And even after speaking it, I would usually criticize myself by thinking it was just some bipolar jargin. But then someone will seek you out to tell you how they were touched by whatever it was you said, or they'll ask you for a copy of your speech that took courage to voice. It is easier to be quiet and keep your thoughts to yourself.
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That's so true, Connie, but what we are attempting to address here is monopolizing conversations and situations with disergard to the input of others. We are seeking moderation in all that we attempt for the Kingdom. After a pulpit ministry for years, Father revamped my ministry into a discipleship/mentoring ministry,
and I have many opportunities to encourage others to do just what you have mentioned here, but first Father taught me how far to go. He always tells me that wisdom is the key in these matters. I agree with you that it is better to err in trying than not to try at all because the Spirit of God is always present to encourage us in correcting any errors. As I matured in the Lord and became tempered, I learned how to exercise grace while sharing the deposits that Father was making in my spirit and in my life. I find that His ways are simply excellent! Connie, I have a blog entry on here that you might enjoy entitled, "Speak Now, Or Forever Hold Your Peace." Thank you for sharing!
Blessings,
Marion
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Comment by Dena Brehm on February 22, 2009 at 1:08pm
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Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing ... how much more must I tune in to what Papa is telling/showing/prompting. And yet, His ability to lead me is oh-so-much-more powerful than my ability to go astray.
For me, the plumbline would be to ask myself: "is this urge to speak for the benefit of others, or to promote myself?"
AISI, the *MOST* important things we can do in this life is to love others, out of an overflow of our love for God (which, LOL, is just a response to His love for us...!). It all comes down to loving God and loving neighbor -- all the rest is fluff and dung.
Excellent conversation, y'all!
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Comment by Connie on February 23, 2009 at 12:15am
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And as we do what blesses the life of others we too are blessed by God. And as we are blessed by God we bless the lives of others.
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