Back Talk

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. I Peter 2:21-24 (NLT)

Definition of back talk - Merriam-Webster Online

Impudent, insolent, or argumentative replies.

The only part of that definition that even made sense to me was "argumentative". Now, you're going to find this so very hard to believe...but....it's true. I got in more trouble growing up for back talking my Mom than anything else. I know you think I'm exaggerating...but, no...unfortunately it's the truth. I'm sorry if I burst your bubble of thinking that I am just one perfect human specimen!!! ha! ha!

But, let me go on to explain. My Mom would tell me to do, or not to do, something and I would argue and give her the pros and cons...but....I would wind up doing exactly as she asked. My brother on the other hand...he NEVER back talked...but he went and did exactly as he wanted. Now...which one of us got into trouble??? Yep, you guessed it...it was me!!! You would think I would have learned to just keep my mouth shut...but, noooooo!!! That would have been way too simple!!!

All of this just came to mind when I read the verse of scripture from I Peter. What made me even come across this scripture was I changed the layout on my MySpace page, and I love my new layout. Here is what it says:

He never did one thing wrong.

Never once said anything amiss.

They called Him every name in the book, and He said nothing back.

He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right.

He used His servant body to carry our sins to the cross so we could be rid of sin,

free to live the right way.

That just amazes me. The human me...when they started belittling me and beating me...I would have had to say something to defend myself...wouldn't you??? Could you have just took and took what was thrown at you like Jesus did? Or...what about his disciples...none of them tried to defend Him, or take up for Him, or set those being so cruel to him straight.

I know that was the way it was supposed to happen...but......

Do you ever just stop and think....I want to be more like Jesus? Boy, I sure do. I want to learn to keep my mouth shut and not talk back and try to see only the good in others. Could I hang on the cross and be thinking of others instead of my own horrible pain??? Well, Jesus did. He even was thinking of others when He asked God to "forgive them for they know not what they do"!!!

As I grow older...and especially since I've been laying my faults out here for all of you to see...I'm learning that I want nothing more than for people to see Jesus in me. I need to talk less and listen more. I don't want to be so quick to judge. I need to have all the facts before I make up my mind. God is pointing out so many things to me and all it takes is for me to be still and know that He is God!!! Be still and listen...don't try to argue back with Him when I know He's in control and He only has my best interests at heart!!!

What an awesome...amazing....Savior we serve!!!

In His love...and with mine!!!