Motivation

By Paula Williamson, guest writer

We often go through life without examining our motives. Even when we sense the direction we should take, we rationalize, and our mouths say yes to what our gut says no to. Wisdom pauses before it speaks. Ask yourself: “Is what I am about to say in the best interest of others, or is it just making me feel and look good?”

It Is Written:

PSALM 141:3 Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.

Boundaries

We can say yes or no to every decision we make. We set the boundaries, not others. No one can take advantage of us without our permission. If we say yes when we should or want to say no, we are responsible for the consequences of our choice, not others. 

Prayer

Lord, help us exercise wisdom before we open our mouths. Help us pause to ask whether what we are about to say is in others' best interests. Help us have the courage to say no when our inner compass gives us that check. Help our motives be pure, not self-serving. 

Takeaway

Wisdom pauses before answering.