How to Keep Your Job, Watch Your Mouth

Chiefs Running Back Larry Johnson was only 75 yards away from breaking the team record when he was released, all because he couldn't watch his mouth. Following a loss Johnson belittled his head coach and directed a gay slur towards a heckler on twitter. The next day he used the gay slur again towards members of the media in the locker room. Whether we realize it or not words are powerful and should be used wisely.

Ephesians 4:29 says, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." In other words watch the foul language. Words should be used to build up others and not tear them down.

Sometimes we may forget God made everyone. So when we call them ignorant, ugly or a gay slur we are talking about God's creation. It cost Larry Johnson his job in Kansas City, it could cost you even more.

For more scriptures on words see:Ephesians 5:4, Colossians 3:8, Proverbs 16:24

Complaining is not the way to solve problems

After coming off the bench in his first game with the Memphis Grizzlies Allen Iverson made it perfectly clear he is not satisfied with his role. Iverson played 18 minutes and scored 11 points. Following the game Iverson was asked how he felt."I had no problems (physically.) I had a problem with my butt sitting on that bench for so long," Iverson said.

Keep in mind Iverson is in his first season with the Grizzlies. He missed all eight preseason games and the first three regular season games with a hamstring injury. If the coach decides to have him come off the bench Iverson should let his game do the talking and see if things improve as time goes on. Instead, the 34 year old proceeded to gripe about how he's not a bench player or a sixth man.

Philippians 2:14 states do all things without murmurings and disputings or in other words complaining and arguing. Ultimately you are complaining against the sovereign God who controls all things. That surely is not pleasing to the Saviour!

In Numbers the children of Israel who complained to God about being in the wilderness died before reaching the promised land. Whether its complaining about your coach, spouse, boss or whoever it may be that is not pleasing to God.

He sees what you are going through and the proper response is to rejoice knowing that his plans are perfect. No matter what, rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, in every thing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:16-18