Dear Reader, lately I've been reading more and more about the effect of our words. I know, not a new topic. But one thing has added to my thinking, and it's the effects of our words, good and not so good, on ourselves. Will you join me in digging a little deeper?
***************************************
I wonder if the advent of the water bottle has pretty much eradicated the water cooler that used to dot offices. Water cooler or not, wherever people work or go to school, there seems to be a designated gathering place.
I stopped eating in the workplace "break" room several years ago. They seemed to be hotbeds of negativity and gossip. It was too easy to join the conversation.
Dear Reader, please don't think that choice was noble or altruistic in any way. (Remember me? I'm the one with the poison pen.)
Dear Reader, please don't think that choice was noble or altruistic in any way. (Remember me? I'm the one with the poison pen.)
9 We use our tongues to praise our Lord and Father, but then we curse people. And God made them like himself. 10 Praises and curses come from the same mouth! My brothers, this should not happen.
James 3:9-10 ICB
As a school principal, I was fortunate to participate in a technology cohort. When we created our websites, I chose "Knowledge is power" (Sir Francis Bacon), as my signature slogan. It seemed appropriate for an educator.
The more I became immersed in the professional world, the more I learned that the power can easily be corrupted. Have you felt the sting of having your words bandied about, or used against you? Perhaps it's due to misplaced trust, or restroom eavesdropper.
Workplace words used to put down rather than promote are bad enough. But what about traitorous words from those closest to you? Jesus knew how that felt.
The more I became immersed in the professional world, the more I learned that the power can easily be corrupted. Have you felt the sting of having your words bandied about, or used against you? Perhaps it's due to misplaced trust, or restroom eavesdropper.
Workplace words used to put down rather than promote are bad enough. But what about traitorous words from those closest to you? Jesus knew how that felt.
44 Judas had planned a signal for them. He had said, “The man I kiss is Jesus. Arrest him and guard him while you lead him away.” 45 So Judas went to Jesus and said, “Teacher!” and kissed him.
Mark 14:44-45 ICB
(Dear Reader, feel free to turn out any time if gossip or careless words aren't vices of yours.) Being "in the know", gossip, is a real challenge for me. I'm thankful people frequently feel they can confide in me. But frankly, sometimes I wish they didn't.
In a casual conversation, it's so easy to let a careless word slip. Have you ever done that, Dear Reader? It's not like we go looking for an opportunity to slander and/or hurt.
When it comes to our conversations, there's good news and bad news. First, the bad: we're accountable for all of our words, not just the careless ones.
In a casual conversation, it's so easy to let a careless word slip. Have you ever done that, Dear Reader? It's not like we go looking for an opportunity to slander and/or hurt.
When it comes to our conversations, there's good news and bad news. First, the bad: we're accountable for all of our words, not just the careless ones.
Let me tell you something: Every one of these 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 also be your damnation.”
Matthew 12:36b-37 MSG
Whoa! Talk about harsh! That should be enough for me to put a permanent filter on my big mouth.
Since it isn't, I have to trust in our great big God, who is big on forgiveness:
Since it isn't, I have to trust in our great big God, who is big on forgiveness:
If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings,
who would stand a chance?
As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit,
and that’s why you’re worshiped.
Psalm 120:3 MSG
who would stand a chance?
As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit,
and that’s why you’re worshiped.
Psalm 120:3 MSG
Woo-Hoo! While we're held accountable for our words, we have the BEST ADVOCATE EVER when we invariably mess up. And just when we think the good news can't get better, it does:
The promises of the Lord are promises that are pure,
silver refined in a furnace on the ground,
purified seven times.
Psalm 12:6 RSV
Dear Reader, sometimes I think the "water cooler" should come with a warning label. Even more often, I'm thankful for a forgiving Savior, who's always true to His promises, when those careless words slip out, aren't you?
RSS Feed