The 7 Deadly Words...Revisited

Just when I thought it was safe to put away writings about the 7 deadly words...

One of my favorite parts of the service at Christian Outreach Church in Morganton is what I call "the meet and greet." But Wednesday night it turned quite ugly. In fact, it turned into the "meat and greet." The meet and greet is when everyone leaves their seat to greet someone. Well last night, as I was cheerfully greeting people, my old cajun friend Don Claus (pictured to the right) comes up to me and says (insert cajun accent here), "Man I was watching you during praise and worship and you've really put on some weight." (the 7 deadly words) I replied that yes I have gained some, but will be losing a few pounds shortly since Pastor Timothy Fortune and I have decided to train for a marathon (but that's another message). Don then said, "Well a fat man is a happy man." Somehow, I could find very little comfort in the remark. I guess Don didn't read the message I wrote just a few days ago concerning holding your tongue even if you've noticed a few extra pounds on someone.

The sad part is that I have gained weight because I've been eating pretty much anything set in front of me. The holidays did not help. It's so very easy to get off track about anything, especially our eaing habits.

There is a whole chapter in James (James 3) about taming the tongue.

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:7-8

If you see someone who has put on a few extra pounds, please do not point out the obvious. I guarantee that the person already knows they have more square footage than before. Please, keep those potentially hurtful comments to yourself. Prayer would be a better course of action, as it always is.

Have a blessed day.