WATCH WHAT YOU SAY

I have watched the life of one of a mentor and friend for over 35 years. I have watched him in numerous circumstances in life, but there was a time that I actually worked for him for seven years. He was the President of a major para-church organization. There were many things that he taught me with his life, but there is one thing that stands out -- He was very careful with his words.

I sat in on several meetings where he had to say some very difficult things to staff that were not performing. From a human perspective, he could have been very upset and angry. But in these situations, he was very calm and careful with his words. Later on I asked him how he was able to do that. He shared with me that in his younger years he was not as careful with his words. In fact, he was quite a hot-head. After having to go to people time and time again to apologize for his unkind words, he began to allow the Holy Spirit to control his tongue, and began to watch what he said. He said that by doing this, it saved him much grief.

Proverbs 21:23 says, "Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief." Jesus emphasized the importance of our words in Matthew 12:34-35 . . . . "It's your heart, not the dictionary that gives meaning to your words. A good person produces good deed and words season after season. An evil person is a blight on the orchard. Let me tell you something: every one of your careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can be your damnation." (The Message)

Wow -- isn't that a power reminder! Think about your words today. Think about what you will say to your spouse, your kids, your boss, your employees. Purpose in your heart to "watch way you say." It might save you a lot of grief!

Good words to ponder on this March 21, 2005. Have a great day.