32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.
Oh, if only this were true in our lives, that we really took control of ourselves. Far too often I look at my own life and say, “Why did I open my mouth?” Of course it happens after the fact, and I have stepped in it again! I am sure none of you have had that experience. None of you have wished you could take back your words only moments after they flew out of your mouth. It is as if they had a life of their own and you were only the vessel in whom they lived. But unfortunately, those words were a product of you. Those thoughts were stirred up and you and your body responded and out they came. Paul is speaking specifically about church services. Their services were structured much differently than they are here in the West. There was much more ‘corporate’ participation. Of course their gatherings were much smaller than our gatherings. They were at times under threat of death. But is it only in church that we must control what we say? The truth is, we do have the ability to control what we say, unless of course we have Tourette Syndrome. What we say is under submission to our will. We can choose to not say it. I have never seen anyone explode because they did not speak! If you have pictures, or better yet video, I would love to see it! So I speak to myself right now, “shut up, Stan. You don’t have to speak. You can choose to measure your words so that they build up in a timely manner.” Well thank you all for listening in on my conversation. I hope it was not too boring. I know it didn’t apply to any of you. Right?
The Arnold Journey 