Talking Smack

This morning in one of the devotions I read, the key verse was as follows:

"The king of Israel answered, 'Tell him: "One who puts on his armor should not boast like the one who takes it off.'"      1 Kings 20:11

These words were spoken by Ahab to Beh-Hadad's messenger.  I have to tell you, I have read this passage many times before and have never really stopped to think about what Ahab was actially saying.  (I really love that the Bible is like that.  You can read it 1000 times, but always learn something new.)  What Ahab is implying here is that sometimes we need to keep our mouths shut until we have reached the accomplishment.

Here, the devotion author was referring to New Year's resolutions.  Some people really need to keep their resolution to themselves and let their actions speak louder than their words.  So often when people make the resolutions, they end up failing.  In my opinion, that is what is expected in today's society concerning resolutions.  They don't seem to really mean an entire year- just the effort.  Sad.

Even more sad?   My first thought when I read the verse was talking smack.  Yep, I love football season (or sports in general), but I hate the rival smack talk.  I even avoid Facebook when there are certain teams playing.  Around here there is a HUGE rivalry between South Carolina Gamecocks and the Clemson Tigers.  I loath this game every year.  I have seen so many relationships torn apart because of the nasty words spoken all because of a passion over a football team.  In all honesty, there are only a few people that can ever get away with smack talk.  It's the ones that are just not THAT into whether their team wins or loses.  The ones that are truly ok with whatever outcome.

Just what if- those people that are so passionate about their sports team were equally as passionate about their faith?  Because, not only have I seen relationships hurt because of smack talk, I have also seen many so called Christians that all but ruined their witness for Christ due to their words and actions.

Just what if we all (quietly) made the resolution to deepen our walk and faith in Christ,  but was only accountable to the Lord?  Each day, leaning on Him to tell us what we need to do and if what we have done needs a little work to make it right?  Let's face it- we can't put on the mask of "I have it all together" for him.  

I just wonder what kind of impact it would have on our relationships, families, or communities.