Would You Speak Different If God Spoke Next?
Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me;
let me also declare my opinion. — Job 32:10
So Elihu is ready to speak and declare his opinion. And for the next six chapters, this young man is going to take us on a wonderful journey through his explanation of what God is doing in Jobs's life and all of life. He begins by telling Job his assessment is wrong, and he needs to quiet himself and listen to a better explanation. He then dismantles his self-proclaimed righteousness and condemns Job for saying such things. He then adds that no man is righteous. And even if we were righteous, even our best righteous gift is not a gift fit for God. This ascends in proclaiming the greatness of God. And that God's righteousness, purity, holiness, wisdom, power, understanding, riches, and majesty have no end. And that they stretch beyond our ability to understand.
His words are so impressive that two events occur. First, Job sits stunned in silence. Job never speaks a word. And second, as Elihu finishes his explanation, God begins to speak. It's as if Elihu was introducing the featured keynote speaker of the day and thus hands him the mic. And God never once reprimands Elihu for anything he has said. He picks up right where Elihu left off, which I think is a pretty strong affirmation of everything he has said to Job.
So this made me wonder. How differently would I say things if I knew that God was going to speak next? How differently would I speak to an employee, boss, or vendor? How differently would I speak to my wife, children, and mother-in-law? How differently would I speak on social media, on the freeway, or on the golf course?
Today let's do something together. Let's assume God is going to speak next. That in every conversation, God went next. And let's see if we would say any differently.
ASK THIS: Who are you going to speak differently to today? (Share this in the comments below)
DO THIS: As you speak to them today, imagine that God speaks next.
PRAY THIS: God, may I represent you in all I think, do, and say.
PLAY THIS: Word of God Speak.
SIGN UP — THE DAILY DEVO
short + biblical + practical
Read through the Bible daily with Vince Miller.
my kids, I think pretending like I am His opening act will soften my heart and quell some rage when they misbehave or are just disrespectful.
Scott S… and everyone else I come into contact with today.
My wife.
Holy Moly Vince, this has to one of the most poignant eye opening messages you have ever given to me and you have provided some great ones.
Thank you and I will be better because of it.
Great message !
Reminds me of ephesians 4:29
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Wow, just wow. Great perspective! Life defining moment here.
Everyone I converse with as this challenge is a great accountability tool! After all, He is listening!
Psalm 139:4 “Before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely, O Lord.”
,My co -workers especially the fathers as we observe Fathers day this weekend.
I’m going to do my best with this action point to speak differently to my employees.
Thanks for this challenge