God's Audit

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV

For me this past week, this verse could be translated as, "though I speak with tongues of angels but have no documentation I am not in compliance." We survived yet another federal audit at work and it was a success. Not because I talked my way out of anything but because I put passion and actions behind those words. We can talk a big game and make the feds think we have it all under control. But if they come in and look under our pretty polished stones, they might find ants and rust and other such non-delights. Sparkly things don't mean much if there's no substance to them.

So it is with our words. If what we say doesn't match our actions, or if  we have no love in our hearts...no substance...our words are just pretty empty boxes. When you speak, can your words be trusted? Are they spoken in love or distrust? I personally want my words to be sweet music to those I speak to. I want them to want to hear what I have to say. But I have to want to say all things in love. I have a responsibility to be able to back it up with actions.

So would you pass God's audit of your words? If not, rethink your policies and see about making some changes.