Matthew 12:35 (New International Version)
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up
in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.
There once was an insignificant piece of gravel in the
middle of a busy highway in the province of Ontario, Canada. It was no wonder
it didn’t think very highly of itself. People would zoom by it with their cars
just like it was a piece of junk that nobody wanted, the force of the wind they
created making it roll around the road. Compared to the smooth, black-asphalted
highway that people highly regarded as their main travel way, it was completely
ignored. If only he could be like…a windshield, yes, a windshield.
Windshields seem strong and beautiful. Motorists
constantly stare at them with apparent admiration . . . THEY certainly don’t
ever seem to go unnoticed!
“If only I could be a windshield!” the piece of gravel
sighed out loudly.
“Why?” the asphalted highway underneath it ask.
“Then I would be admired instead of being ignored!” it
answered. “Windshields can resist high winds. Nothing is stronger and more
beautiful than a windshield!”
As soon as it said this, a vehicle ran over it, and it
found itself propelled by the back tire of that car. “I am flying! I am
flying!” he exclaimed excitedly. Then it slammed into the windshield of the
next car.
To its amazement, the windshield that had seemed so
strong shattered!
Suddenly the piece of gravel didn’t feel so
insignificant. It could shatter the mighty!
The words that we speak can be just like that piece of
gravel. We think their impact is insignificant. However, the words of
criticism, negativity and discouragement that can be propelled from our mouth
can make even the mighty crumble.
“Can’t you do anything right? Get out of here!”
These words are disastrous to the ears of kids and adults
alike.
What we say reveals who we really are. It reveals our
true personality. It tells others our innermost memories and contemplations.
Jesus knew the impact of words and clearly warned us:
What do YOUR words tell about you? Let’s Listen to ourselves
today and learn! Are our words always constructive, uplifting, and encouraging?
We can change the impact of our words by starting to rely on the One whose
every word made a difference in other people lives; The one who forgave those
who crucified him while he was dying; The one who reached out to others while
he was hanging on a cross, even promising eternal life to the thief on the next
cross.
Dear Lord we pray today that we would watch the words
that we use. We want our words to build up those around us rather than tear
them down. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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