Bad Publicity
“There is no such thing as bad publicity”. Many people have been associated with this quote, but no one concrete is listed as the person who coined the phrase. I personally think that there is bad publicity.
Some of you may have heard, read, or even viewed (like me) the issue about a business located in Scottsdale, Arizona. The business owners asked for help for their failing business from a prominent person in their field. This consultation went very bad and did not have the outcome the business owners may have hoped for.
I watched the video online and what really bothered me was not the attitude, but the words that came out of one of the owners. In one sentence God was praised for given the person talent, but in the next sentence corrupting talk came out of the owner’s moth. All I could do was shake my head in disbelief.
Paul wrote in the letter to the church in Ephesus:
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
(Ephesians 4:29-32 ESV ~ emphasis mine)
When we become His children we are His ambassadors and should act that way. No matter in what situation we are in, we should be kind to one another, and especially be forgiving one another.
I agree that some situations may become stressful and we are overwhelmed. But that should not rattle our cage; instead we should take a deep breath and lift our eyes and heart to heaven. Will it always work? No, I know that I have been in situations where some words flew out of my mouth that I regretted the minute they came out. But if we do say something that is not wholesome, what can we do? Ask the person you are dealing with for forgiveness.
It may be awkward at first when spewing off some unwholesome words and than ask for forgiveness, but it is the right thing to do. Especially when it happens with people that do not know God. Remember, He is the one we represent in this world.
Lord of mercy and grace. Guard my lips and may the words that come out of my mouth be kind, tenderhearted, and always forgiving. Lord, use me today to show the world what it means to be a follow of Your Word. In the precious name of Jesus ~ Amen.
Great thoughts Iris, I’ve had a times also when I’ve flown off the handle and said things I’ve regretted. However I continuously ask God to help me to represent his kingdom well. I know that eyes are watching and ears are listening and I don’t want to be a stumbling block because of my attitude. Thanks for sharing.
Appreciate your thoughts.