Author's Note: Much is influencing us these days; our culture, our government, friends, family, but, what about the influence of God on our lives? Shouldn't He be influencing everything? Even the most mundane activities should be under His influence. So, my question for you is: R U Influenced?
Consider this during February, the month of romance...
Cupid lines up the targeting mechanism on his “bow of love” and draws back. He releases. “Twaaack!” Lovers are hit with the arrow carrying its message of true love. It’s February, the time of year when even men and women turn their attention to true love. In reality; however, not all arrows carry messages of love…
He is five. It has taken him all day to successfully plan and build his “fort.” He dreams of how proud his father will be of the garrison in the family room! He can’t wait until together they will wage war toward their unseen enemy from its walls. When you are five, dad is hero and battle buddy. The day at work has been arduous for dad. The boss redirected unexpected duties his way and the migraine has gained in its intensity. He longs to get home, sit in his favorite chair, turn on the widescreen, and drift asleep to the evening news. The outcome is predictable. Dad comes home, enters the house, and steps toward his favorite chair. But before he can reach his place of refuge, his young son bounces on him attempting to enlist him to wage “war.” Dad, exhausted and worn from his own day of combat at the office, brushes the little warrior aside with something like, “Not now and leave me alone!” “Twaack!” The arrow has lodged deeply in the mind of the lad and its message is clear – “There must be something wrong with me.” Truthfully, the father meant nothing of the sort, but his flippant words became a penetrating arrow carrying its harmful message directly to its young target. What messages do your words send to those around you? A good man, or woman, will take just a moment and consider and choose his or her words carefully because the bow is pulled back...
My thoughts: Hopefully, this article has reminded you watch the words you speak. Scripture, understanding our struggle controlling our tongue, is full of advice when it comes to our language because words can carry so much. James 1:26 reminds us, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight reign on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless" (NIV). This February, consider your words carefully.
Discussion:
Ever said anything you wish you could take back? Have you allowed the words of others to
define who you are? How does this apply at the job? At home? At school? Leave your comments in the below.
By Wade Mumm, PhD
PS - I endorse these websites, check them out: www.allengroupe.com; www.influenceliving.com; www.greenewaychurch.com.
