Silence!

Watching this video the other day got me thinking... Am I one of those people who speak just because I have to say something or who speaks because I have something to say?  There is a difference you know... Only an fool "just has to say something" about anything whereas a wise person speaks only when they "have something to say."

Take notice of the reactions to the silence in this video... Silence is out-of-the-norm and therefor people pay attention. 

So what can we learn from a simple YouTube improve video?  That we don't always need to say something... Sometimes it's best if we keep silent and don't share our opinions on every subject known to man... Remember: "opinions are like rear ends, everyone has one!" haha!

Next time someone offends you and you feel you "just need to say something" to let them know they've crossed the line and stepped on your sensitive little toes, take a breath and ask yourself what that will accomplish?  Most likely, you'll only add an offence on top of your own and nothing will be resolved quickly... But if you remain quiet you can still get your point across and you may even get an apology without having to shove the request down the other person's throat.  Usually people know they are going to offend you before they open their mouth and voice their thoughts in the first place; giving the reaction they expect isn't going to do much... However, the discomfort of silence may do something, so give it a chance.

Another point on silence is when the people around you are joking about something that sort of rubs your sensibilities the wrong way... You could say "guys, that's not right, I won't stay here and listen to that" or you can just not laugh... They most likely will get the point either way and you may be able to avoid quibbling over moral beliefs and/or scripture which may accompany your commentary... Not to mention, if we are Christians, our lives are supposed to be an example and those same people you're about to put in the hand-basket to hell with your comments should already know what you believe with regards to the subject matter in question. 

On the other hand, I understand that if there is an ongoing issue you will say something (hopefully) and I agree there are times to make a vocal stand. I'm not saying you always have to be silent or be a doormat to some God bashing jerk, that's silly and if you were always silent it would have no impact. The point is to try something different: if you are usually a vocal person try the silence, it may have a greater impact than all the words you've spoken to date on the subject in question.  Sometimes being quiet is the nicest thing you can do in a given situation and it's always best to be silent rather than vindictive or mean spirited... What's that saying? Ah, yes "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Being kind to people is part of being Christian but I understand that saying something kind isn't always an option in the heat of a moment and so did Jesus... For those high emotion moments he said to "turn the other cheek" not "rip-a-strip off their back with the worst tongue lashing you can muster!"

Matthew 5:38, 39 & 42 "Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it... And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously."