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Has anyone ever told you that you could be more tactful? Tact is a special gift in dealing with people; it’s knowing the right thing to say or do, without offending someone.

l’m guilty of not being very tactful at times. Most of these times is when I’m either trying to be cute or when I’m aggravated with someone. I would like to think that at these times I’m out of character. I’ve also been on the other end of someone lacking tact, and it didn’t feel good.

Tact is appropriate, attractive and appealing, but in today’s world, rare. We can always remember a salesperson that lacked tact and in 60 seconds lost the sale.

How about a teacher who made learning a turnoff? Remember the doctor who didn’t treat you as a human being, but as “case number 21.”

In his daily devotional, The Finishing Touch, Charles Swindoll says the classic example of tactless humanity is the abrasive Christian. I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve also been guilty of that. The Christian who thinks it’s his calling to fight for the truth with little regard for the other person’ s feelings does more harm than good.

Many preachers are the greatest offenders. They use the pulpit to condemn, rather than convict and encourage. They can quickly kill the spirit of a newborn Christian. The weapon they use is the tongue.

Years ago, I attended a Bill Gothard “Basic Youth Conflicts” seminar. It was a great learning experience for me, but the one statement that I will always remember is that a Christian’s spiritual pride will keep more people out of Heaven that anything else.

Remember, it’s not what we say, but how we say it. A godly spirit is always tactful.

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Harold Keller at Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, or call (985) 652-8477.