21 Day Challenge

Day 18: How do you want your words remembered? May
11

Read Psalm 19:14, Ephesians 4:29, Exodus 20:7, Proverbs 25:11, Colossians 3:8, Proverbs 15:23

Sometimes we say dumb things. One time, I thought I knew this girl in the college cafeteria better than I really did and noticed that she had chosen skim milk over the standard 2% and being careless (and a bit naïve) decided to comment on it. Her reaction was a bit cold and after she left I stood momentarily perplexed…until a buddy of mine suggested I made a cloaked remark about her weight. Whoops! I was careless.

Thankfully, even though I said something dumb, I assume all is forgiven (hopefully forgotten). But sometimes the consequences of our words can be more devastating. That’s why Matthew 12:36 warns,

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak….”

Words matter because words can build up or they can tear down.

Instead of being known for putting my foot in my mouth, I want to be known for words like those spoken of in Proverbs 16:24:

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

What if people were made better by what they heard me say? What if my words were like cool refreshing water to other people. What if my response to criticism was calm, humble and gracious.

Ben Framstad

Today's Challenge

Write a few sentences about how you want your words to be remembered.

How do you want your words to be remembered?  Decide what kind of words you want coming from your mouth. Take some time to write a few sentences about how you want your words remembered.  Dream about what could happen if you spoke with the mercy Jesus had. Read the following verses to get started thinking.

Psalm 19:14
Ephesians 4:29
Exodus 20:7
Proverbs 25:11
Colossians 3:8
Proverbs 15:23