Sunday Morning Thoughts

There's something that's been slowly processing in my mind for the past few days.

It's not something particularly hilarious or profound in nature, but just a simple little thought that I did not fully reflect upon. This "thought", I evaluated, was something that was out of my reach in terms of control. Yet there has been much reform in my heart and I now realize just how wise it would have been had I looked into things with more intent.

It has been stressed to me recently how my "thoughts" have had tremendous potential to influence other people. Initially I thought that this assertion was unfounded. After all, if someone were to survey my thoughts, why would they put any extra weight over what I have to say compared to someone (perhaps) more credible? It would be the equivalent of reading the op-ed in a newspaper and considering it equally justified as CNN. It just doesn't make any sense.

However, as I've been slowly, and prayerfully, thinking about the (gasp!) possibility that I have been wrong, I immediately started seeing some truth to the previously unfounded assertion. The fact that some people consider what I have to say speaks to them placing some sort of value on my perspective. Whether or not that value is negative or positive is another matter entirely, but it is an aspect of my "thoughts" that I must take into consideration.

Because, again, there is potential for influence.

Biblically, this is no surprise. James speaks passionately about always being mindful of one's mouth. He makes the parallel that the tongue is the equivalent of a small spark capable of inciting the most intense of fires. Paul makes similar conclusions in several of his letters (Ephesians 4, Philippians 4). And frankly, this is a thought that I've delved deeply into already. So, again, this is nothing new.

In light of this, I've realized a few things.
I do not necessarily ask for any attention paid to me--but, there are some who are quite attentive.
I cannot control how I am interpreted or understood--but, I should be mindful of the fact that some people may be listening.
I think out loud for benefits most considerably received by me--but I should be cognizant of the truth that those benefits may affect other people entirely.