The Power of the Tongue
July 1, 2010

Speaking to Rolling Stone reporter, Michael Hasting, General Stanley McChrystal referred to his handpicked staff as "killers, spies, geniuses, patriots, political operators and outright maniacs." America's Team, as they were called, consisted of a former head of British Special Forces, two Navy Seals, an Afghan Special Forces commando, a lawyer, two fighter pilots and at least two dozen combat veterans and counterinsurgency experts.

"I'd die for them," McChrystal said. "And they'd die for me."

Unfortunately, those men who would die for their leader, couldn't shut their mouth for him. After reading the entire Rolling Stones article that resulted in the General's resignation, I've concluded McChrystal wasn't insubordinate, but some of the members of his handpicked team were disrespectful of their civilian superiors. And they did this in the presence of a reporter while their tongues were loosened by a few drinks.

As I read the article I was surprised at how little the general was quoted. He did say that Vice President Biden was prone to make unexpected statements. He moaned when he got an incoming mail from diplomatic envoy Richard Holbrooke, and he complained that the White House took so long to review his war plan. That's it. Nowhere do I find insubordination in his comments. Were they disrespectful. Yes.

Regardless of how you may feel about the war in Afghanistan, or how it's being led, the firing of General McChrystal stands as a stark reminder that our words not only affect our lives, but the lives of those we serve. No matter what you may think of your superiors, speak of them with respect or expect to be looking for another job. Solomon said it well when he observed, "He who guards his mouth and his tongue, keeps himself from calamity" (Proverbs 21:23). Proverbs 10:19 tells us, "How who holds his tongue is wise." The best of the lot may be Proverbs 11:12, "A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue."

Last month I was flying to Portland from Dallas and asked one of the flight attendants about the red pin on her lapel. She told me the pin indicated her support for the strike the union is considering against the airline. Had she stopped there her answer would have been appropriate. But she didn't stop. With the enthusiasm of a street evangelist she went on to deride the company, and it's CEO. She said the strike could come at any time and would ground the airline. She clearly wanted to drive away business from the company that paid her. Why? Because she didn't like her salary and benefit package--and this at a time when so many people have been laid off and can't find a job.

While I'm sympathetic to her situation, I think such speech is unprofessional and doesn't create an enjoyable travel experience for passengers.

The difference between her comment, while on duty, and the comments of America's Team, is that those men were off-duty speaking to a reporter whom they trusted. It takes an extra measure of God's grace to hold your tongue when the heart and mind are unhappy and overflowing with disrespect. The key to tapping into such grace is found in Proverbs 16:1, "To man belong the plans of the heart, but form the Lord comes the reply of the tongue."

The next time you start to speak ill of those you serve, take a moment and talk to the Lord first. Ask him for the grace you need to speak well of the people God has placed in authority over you. While you likely won't have to die for them, you can at least hold your tongue for them.