by Joe Harms
associate pastor of preteen ministries

An eight-pound raw cow tongue was the attention-grabber as SCC preteens began a series on "controlling our tongues" in February. (You can run down to Fiesta Mart and pick up a bovine taster for $2.29/lb.)  We looked at passages like James 1:26, ". . . and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless," and Proverbs 10:19, "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."  
 
Then, we all began a "speech fast"—trying to keep from speaking unless our words fit Ephesians 4:29, to "benefit those who listen." For one week, preteens and leaders kept a Talk Tracks card in their pockets. Every time they "slipped up" and complained, gossiped, used bad language, or argued, etc., they put an "X" in the appropriate box on the Talk Tracks card. (Part of the motivation was a pizza party for any small group with 100% participation—meaning the cards were used every day, and a parent and close friend signed them.)
 
This was a great exercise. Most of the preteens even did it for a second week, with no promised reward of pizza. I'm very proud of them! And I'm doing it again as well, because I don't want to yell "Idiot!" like I did last Wednesday at the driver who pulled out right in front of me (while I was on the way home from teaching tongue control).

So now I have a challenge for all parents and those reading this story:  I double-dawg dare ya to try this yourself! Download a Talk Tracks card and start today.