As I think about the ninth commandment, I am reminded of this simple instruction given me long ago—maybe by my parents, maybe my grandparents, perhaps even a teacher or Sunday school teacher along the way. It reminds us to always tell the truth, always be polite, and always be uplifting. What else could civil mean? As we go through the next weeks, let us all “keep a civil tongue.”

This week, as you keep a civil tongue in your head, remember to do it especially with your family as you share with them a time of Thanksgiving. Be thankful this week for your family, for your church, for your country, for (you fill in the blank). Then after the holiday is passed and you are looking forward to Christmas, be thankful once again.