The Big Reveal

Two days ago, a former power couple, the Smiths, sat at the Red Table and disclosed private information as to their solution “to shut people up.” Historically, the Smiths have exhibited attention-seeking behaviors throughout their marriage, so the big reveal of their indiscretions comes as no surprise. With all the political turmoil and the devastation of the sweeping COVID-19 saturating the media, the Smiths did what they do best, and that was to pull off one of the best PR strategic plans to “tell as much as we can without damaging our reputations.”

And with almost 500,000 views, they hit the mark, pulling in their target audience like bees to flowers. One can only imagine the congratulatory hugs and laughter they gave one another behind closed doors. The Smiths are no ordinary couple, they have brilliant minds that have propelled them to prominence among their peers. Unfortunately, at a time (ages 48 and 51), when their lives should reflect integrity, honor, and wisdom, the Smiths display selfishness by placing themselves, once again, in the spotlight. They are a perfect example of people who are in love with themselves. What about their children and extended families who they never considered while developing the plot for attention? Yes, they were quite successful with their venture, the Smiths were featured on Good Morning America, and propelled youtube hits to an all-time high.

The trending of “Transparency” has permeated our society, promoting total disregard for the dignity and respect for ourselves and cruelty toward others. Boundaries and hearts have been broken as individuals use their most potent weapon, the tongue, to reveal intimate secrets and to annihilate one another with vicious words. Speaking thoughtless words are not a modern concept or practice. In the book of Psalms, King David describes the individuals that surrounded him in the royal court, My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. Psalm 57:4

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18. 

The Big Reveal: Our words reveal our thoughts, which reveal our real character.

People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:7. God tells us the words that bring pain and suffering to ourselves, and others are a result of evil, and that evil is within each of us. “As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous— not even one.” Romans 3:10. Yes, it is you, it is me, it is all of us who possess the curse of sin within our hearts. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9

With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. James 3:9. If you find yourself in this predicament that an out-of-control tongue is your greatest enemy, then stop, and ask for God’s help. Okay, so you may not be included in the group of individuals who rant. Perhaps, you are trained and can control verbalizing your thoughts; yet, you secretly harbor anger and hatred against others or yourself. Even with variables, all of us are equally in the same predicament: Human beings possess defective characters. The battle is from within. Every day we fight against the diabolical effects of sin.

The Biggest Reveal: We are unable to change our character without Divine Intervention. Thankfully, God’s love, grace, and mercy have provided an alternate path for us. Through the sacrificial death of His perfect Son, Jesus Christ, we have been redeemed from the sins of evil.

The Bible openly reveals the character of God and His expectation of those who serve Him. The Creator of humanity is fully aware that we are unable to fight the battle of sin alone. God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1. We require God’s help every moment of every day. Without Him, it is not possible to think, speak, or live holy and righteous lives.

This is our lifelong task to align our character with God’s expectation: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law… Galatians 5:22-23. When we humble ourselves and seek God’s help, the Holy Spirit enables us to control ungodly thoughts. The wounding thoughts that reveal themselves as inflammatory words of fire, which cause us to sin against God, ourselves, and others, can be eradicated.

Begin your character overhaul today by praying for God’s help. I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! Isaiah 65:24

Divine Intervention + Human Effort = Victory

I can (and I will) do all things through Christ who gives me strength! Philippians 4:13

Bible Reading: James 3

God, we admit that we have a severe problem with our character. We have developed the skill of using our words to wound ourselves and others. Our thoughts are out of sync with your standards for righteousness. We pray for forgiveness and ask for your strength to change and possess the Fruit of the Spirit. Thank you for hearing and answering this prayer that we ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for any purpose without the written permission of the author.