Taming the Tongue

WOW! What a topic, right? Taming the tongue is a problem addressed THROUGHOUT the bible in both the Old and New Testaments. There are many Proverbs that address it and warn against a loose, vicious, foolish mouth. I would venture to say that people have not mastered this task any better than the people of Jesus' time had. In fact, with the internet, Facebook, blogs, texting and more, I would wonder if it has actually become more of a problem. People consistently "talk" via technology and it is often far easier to say difficult things through those devices and hide behind them.
It is often very difficult to assess someone's tone and intent with their language via an email or text. I know that I have assumed someone meant one thing and in reality they did not. I know my own words have been taken out of context and used to misrepresent my intent from an email.
How then should we proceed?
I have been encouraged lately through reading a series of fictional books by Michael Phillips to continually consider what God's intent for me is in each and every situation. I find myself wondering more and more, "Is this how Christ would want me to react? or "If Jesus were in this situation, would he respond, would he worry about being taken advantage of or would he simply continue to proceed in ministry?".
When I was in high school every one started that whole "WWJD" philosophy about "What Would Jesus Do". I think that was far too pop-culturized, but I do believe the theory to be correct.
Is living the Christian life about a series of dos and donts or about truly seeking out God's will for MY life? I believe it is the latter. Christ preached against the legalism of the Pharisees over and over again. I believe there are universal and absolute truths in the Bible. I also believe that there are areas where God did not exactly spell out for us what to do. It is in these situations that we must follow his leading, seek his will and ask ourselves these questions about what Christ would have done.
Let me give you an example: Several friends of mine (especially those of college age) have sought my advice about drinking alcohol. I have told them repeatedly that I cannot convict them about this. They have to pray about it and ask God what he would have them do. For me personally, I feel that God has convicted me not to drink. I am not imposing that rule on others. I feel that in my role as a mother, wife, Counselor at a Christian school and teacher of various ages at my church that it is not the BEST choice for me to make. I feel that is where he has guided me. I do not see it as a great sacrifice on my part. If God instructed me to give up Mt. Dew forever, then I might have a bigger challenge on my hands! I have many friends who drink socially and see nothing wrong with it. I feel that is their issue to take up before God.
Regarding taming the tongue - sometimes there are certain truths that need to be articulated. Knowing when and where to say them is the real question. Is God instructing me to say this? Is this going to be received or fall on "deaf ears"? Am I driven to say this because I am angry or feel self-righteous? Do I want justice or want to point out that I am right? Do I truly feel motivate to speak out of an encouraging heart?
This is such a big deal for me. I have never had a problem stating my opinion. I am trying to learn the art of keeping my mouth closed unless I feel prompted by God to say something in all circumstances. I am trying to ask myself "does this serve God or his purpose?" and if I hear a resounding "NO!", then I am trying very hard to keep my mouth shut.
As always, this is a constant process and I am having both successes and failures every day. The point it, I have to continue to try :)