Our mouths can be puzzling at times

The other night my wife was thoroughly enjoying putting together a jigsaw puzzle, which is one of our many differences.

"Hmmm," she exclaimed, "this one has two mouths." Sure enough, there was an extra mouth among the pieces.

Thinking about her comment the next day, I realized that it is a problem too many of us have: two mouths.

James writes in chapter three of his book in the New Testament: "With it we bless our Lord and Father; and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way."

I am often shocked and amazed at the language I hear in my day-to-day activities. From television to businesses to local schools, I often can't believe the language I hear.

I think people must have another mouth to eat with! If I complain about it, I am either ignored as old fogy or chewed out with even more obscenities.

Then, I realize that I often have two mouths. I frequently find myself complaining instead of praising and negative instead of positive. Oops, the problem is mine, as well.

Lord, may my mouth be consistent with the love and respect I have for you. And may I always show and speak such love and respect for my fellow human beings.

• Bruce Henderson is the pastor of Airport Road, Church of Christ, Carson City.