COUNT TO TEN

Numbers 21:4b-5 And the people became impatient on the way. And spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you led us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread or water, and we detest this wretched food!”

When the people of Israel became impatient, they spoke. In speaking, they did not speak “TO” God or Moses, instead they spoke “AGAINST” them; the two situations, are not the same. Speaking to God would have been prayer, but all they did was murmur and complain. It was apparent that indeed they were in an unfamiliar and uncomfortable position, however their impatience in the circumstance came at a cost to them: “many were bitten, and many died”.

What we do then in those times when we are frustrated, stressed and so become impatient really do matter. Whether your speaking is done out of frustration or impatience, the key is to remember that “Actions born out of impatience and frustration almost always come with added cost. So before you say or do anything out of impatience, take a deep breath, count to 10 and think about the cost of your intentions. 

#sly