A Lesson Learned

Written By Judy Diaz

A couple of weeks ago while reading in Titus 2:4-5, the Lord rested my thoughts upon the word, “discreet”. That is an interesting and thought provoking word. I sought counsel on its true meaning in that verse, as I knew that I needed to be discreet because God’s Word was telling me to be. In the secret places of my heart I know I have not always practiced discretion as I should. Situations at my work and with people in general revealed that I needed to know and practice better discretion.

One question that needed to be answered in my mind was, “What is being discreet and how can I obtain this character trait?  These are some of the verses God used to help me realize the importance of practicing the character trait of being discreet.

Proverbs 11:22 “As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.”

Proverbs 19:11 “The discretion of a man deferreth his anger, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”

I don’t want to be a young lady that is like a pig with a jewel in the snout. I texted Mrs. Shaffer asking her this question, “What is a practical working definition of discreet?” Her reply?
Discernment! The practice of knowing what is right and what is the wrong thing to say or do.
My first thought was how I usually say or do something and then later realize that I could have said it differently, or what I did or said was just plain wrong. Can I know before I say or do something that it’s right to say or do?

I am learning that when I pray for God to teach me or show me something that I need and want to know, that He is quick to show me His answer!

On Monday morning of Revival week; I had the opportunity to take off a few hours from work to go to the morning services. I know this was of the Lord, especially when Bro.Curtman came to Romans 12:1- 2. He spoke about presenting your body as a daily, living sacrifice and not being conformed to this world so “that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Without a daily dying to self and a willing presenting of my body as a living sacrifice, I cannot know or discern the perfect will of God for every situation or circumstance of the day. By Tuesday evening of Revival, I realized my lack of surrender to the Lord and I was tired of Judy’s responses! I needed Christ to have control of my thoughts and Christ to be seen in every word and action. Will this internal change be a battle? Yes, it will! But this one thing I know -Christ is with me all the way! I just need to surrender! God reminded me of the truth in this song:

“Not I, But Christ” 

by Mac Lynch

Not I, but Christ be honored, loved exalted.

Not I, but Christ be seen, be known, be heard.

Not I, but Christ in ev’ry look and action.

Not I, but Christ in ev’ry tho’t and word…