I have this teacher friend who kept calling me today. When I answered he didn’t. Instead of hearing his “Hello” I heard him teaching algebra. I would hang up and a few minutes later he would call again. This happened several times. It seems he had his cell phone in his pocket and unconsciously he kept tapping it. I was the receiver. This must have been payback because a year or so ago when I was in with my doctor I unawares called him. He wasn’t home and his answering machine then recorded my conversation with my doctor. It gives us pause to think of the possible consequences of such an event. However, if we only say nice things about others there is nothing to be concerned about. Record away.
Recently I heard someone say we should pretend Jesus is in the room and then our conversation would always be nurturing and kind. But wait a moment. Jesus via the Holy Spirit is always with us. We don’t have to pretend. See John 14. I am uncomfortable with the idea that we always have to be monitoring ourselves. That gets to be old very fast and we just give up. Wouldn’t it be so much better if we were the kind of person who naturally said and did the kind thing? No pretending. No monitoring. Just be natural and know we will say the right thing because we really care about others. Actually that might be asking a bit much. Even Jesus got angry at times and said some very harsh things. See Matthew 23. Wouldn’t we love to have a recording of that! I guess Solomon was right when he said there is a time for everything.
Written by Roger Bothwell on December 14, 2011
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org