February 25. Do Not Get Me Started.

We all have probably had awkward moments where we sometimes get caught off guard and can respond verbally in ways that are not appropriate. Inappropriate might be where we talk too much. You have probably heard the phrase do not get me started.

People say it because if they get started then they know that they will not be able to stop. Passion or emotional investment for the cause is driving the behavior. Entrepreneurs and leaders can do that as well as anyone can. There are many issues that they know and are passionate about.

We have employee related issues, financial matters, clients, regulations, marketing, and other professional relationships as only a partial list of issues. A passionate discussion can occur around any of those topics.

But a better result of a passionate conversation might be to build stronger relationships instead of just talking. Those conversations have a more purpose focus than passion focus. It seems reasonable that having both is a better way to build relationships.

How might a purpose question have changed the results in your last thirty days? Questions that ask why, and what has to happen, start us down that stronger path. These can build relationships instead of asking questions like tell me about that.

Which relationship would reap big rewards by you using the purpose driven question in the next seven days?

As followers of Christ, we have that same issue of having important conversations. We have much to talk about. We have Bible studies, small groups, causes and volunteer work, the people of the church, the staff and so on. We could talk hours if not days, about these topics.

But talking does not necessarily indicate or build loving relationships. We draw closer to others by being in relationship with them at a deeper level by asking questions that connect us. Christ asked us to follow him.

He did not just talk about it. In Proverbs 10:1, we read the following, "Too much talk leads to sin. Be sens ible and keep your mouth shut." Sometimes the best thing to do is ask a question and then hold our tongue in silence. This week, I would like to believe that the opportunity will present itself.

 We can be in a relationship and the best action we might take is to ask questions. Let us ask those deep questions that will contribute to our relationship. If those we are talking with do not actually say “I like your questions,” you might not be asking them enough.

What is the first question you believe you need to ask someone this week? What is the first thing you can do to make sure that you ask it?

Let us pray, Father God, we thank you for giving us two ears and one mouth. We cannot listen for your still small voice if we are talking all the time. Come to us this week when we call out with questions and then keep ourselves quiet to hear you.

Help us to listen to others this week who need someone to care and love them through listening. May we grow with our relationships listening and loving others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen,