Let’s see, we started this examination of Richard Foster’s controlling principles of simplicity on January 19 … there are ten principles so I should have wrapped up the posts last week. I’ve learned another lesson about simplicity and blogging:
When life gets crazy, roll with it and hope your readers are still around!!
Today, we’ll look at the eighth principle outlined by Foster in Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth
Obey Jesus’ instructions about plain, honest speech. (93)
In order to practice this simple speaking in my writing, I offer three guidelines for simple speech.
- Be clear. “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” {Matthew 5:37, ESV}
- Be concise. “When words are many, transgression is not lacking,but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” {Proverbs 10:19, ESV}
- Be grace-filled. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” {Psalm 19:14, ESV}
Which of these guidelines is most challenging for you?
May I recommend: Words Begin in Our Hearts: What God Says About What We Say
ummmm….concise! Because I love words, espeically modifiers. Lots and lots of them.
Must be genetic. 😉
Numbers 1 & 2 which seem to go together. I always feel like I need to explain why I said yes or no. I drive my husband crazy with it so I’m really to change that.
I know .. me too!!
I can be ‘clear’, but only after my morning coffee. ‘Concise’ when there is no time left to finish the conversation. And, ‘grace-filled’ when I’m the only one in the room.
I think I need those books. Thank you. xo
Kristin recently posted…Red Lentil Soup
LOL! I’m the same way, Kristin … Love you!
Great suggestions on simple speaking. I must admit I struggle at times with being clear. The Lord is continuously strengthening me in this area. Your message today is confirmation of what the Lord is softly whispering to me. Thank you!
Maria, it is hard being clear sometimes, isn’t it? We know what we want to say but struggle with getting that out. 😉
Being concise is my struggle. By the way, love your blog!
It is hard to speak concisely, isn’t it? And thank you for the kind words. 😉