The preacher of a little country church had just finished hammering a sign into the ground by the side of the road next to the church that read, “Da end is near!  Turn around now afore it’s too late!”  About that time a city fellow came speeding through town and upon seeing the sign yelled out, “Mind your own business you religious nut!”  Just a few seconds later the preacher heard the screeching of tires and a big splash.  The preacher scratched his head and said to himself, “Maybe I should have just made a sign that said ‘Bride Out’ instead.”

Like the preacher in that story I have often found myself scratching my head wishing I had used different words to communicate with others.  The words we use are so very important and can have such a great impact on others.  The Bible says in Ephesians 4:29  “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”  I find the godly principles in that verse to be very challenging at times.  There are times when I don’t consider how my words will impact others.  There are times when I don’t consider how my words will impact my witness.  There are times when I don’t even consider how my words will impact me.  Oh yes, your words can even impact you.  Proverbs  23:7 reminds us that “as a man thinketh, so is he.”  Your words need to remind you that you are special, you have been created in God’s image and He gave His Only Son so that you might have everlasting life.  Your words need to remind you that the Lord will never leave you nor forsake you and that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.  Those are beautiful words to know and reflect upon.

If you know Christ, your words need to remind others that the same grace and forgiveness that you have received is also available to them.  I am afraid that too often my words don’t properly communicate this wonderful, glorious truth.  Too often my conversations never get around to speaking of the goodness and mercy of the Lord.  Please pray for me so that I can do as Paul said in Colossians 4:5-6 and make the most of every opportunity and know how to respond to each person.  Until next time, stay strong in the faith.