A worthwhile exercise I always suggest for my coaching clients is to develop a vision statement for their life. The vision serves to keep you on course and helps ensure time is not being wasted on “nonvision” activities. Having a vision statement allows you to step back from whatever you are doing and ask yourself, “is what I’m doing a part of my vision?” A vision gives your life focus and direction. As you know, if you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.
My personal vision statement is quite simple and is easy to adjust as my life evolves; “To make a positive difference in God’s world, in all my roles and responsibilities.” As long as I know what my roles and responsibilities are, I have a good chance of living my vision. My roles and responsibilities are pretty simple, I am a man of God, a husband, father, son, brother, leader and friend. (Hang with me as I am actually going somewhere with this.)
As a child I always had a loose and hurtful “tongue” and it often got me into trouble. Today my vision helps me keep my tongue in check as I try to live by the mantra “If you don’t have anything good to say, then don’t say anything at all.” I cannot make a positive difference in God’s world if my tongue is used to hurt others. I’m not perfect but I’m progressing and my vision statement has helped me make drastic improvements with this particular “character defect” of mine.
In the 10th Proverb from the New Living Translation Bible, Solomon really hits on what comes out of our mouths and the subsequent consequences:
…The godly are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. (v.6)
…The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. (v.11)
…Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod. (v.13)
…Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. (v.19)
…The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. (v.20)
…The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. (v.21)
…The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that decieves will be cut off. (v.31)
…The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words. (v.32)
Hmmm…good stuff and a great guide for people like me with loose tongues. If what is coming out of my mouth is not a “life-giving fountain,” “sensible,” “like sterling silver,” “encouraging,” “wise,” and “helpful,” then in order to fulfill my vision I best just keep my mouth shut as Solomon points out in the 19th verse.
Thanks for your words God!
P.E.A.C.E.
