Editorial May 26, 1997 Issue

Taming the tongue

Barbara M. Vining

The human tongue might be considered the world's original publishing company. It publishes a good deal that is useful. On the other hand, we are not always happy with what it publishes—such as untruths, cutting remarks, tasteless humor, gossip.

Who among us haven't had occasion to regret the words we've spoken—wished we could take them back and change them, or erase them altogether? Wouldn't we all like to get better control of our own tongue and be happier with the quality and quantity of what we say to others? There is a way to tame our tongues to publish only what is truly beneficial. It starts with listening.

Everyone likes to hear good news. And the best news we can ever hear is actually coming to us all the time. It is the message of Christ, Truth, speaking to our consciousness, telling us of the goodness and allness of God and of the likeness to God we have as His spiritual reflection. This message is the truth of spiritual being "that bringeth good tidings" to troubled human hearts, "that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation" from tumult and disease in human lives (Isa. 52:7). We hear this healing and saving message when we listen mentally, that is, when we turn our thoughts toward God with a sincere desire to receive what He is imparting.

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