Our Family Time with God

Nov. 2, 2009

EXAMPLE IN WORD

Scripture Reading--1 Timothy 4:12

"Let no man despise thy youth;

but be thou an example of the believers,

in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity"

( emphasis added ).

1. Think before you speak.

When I was in the first grade, the second-graders performed a play. They dressed up like animals and acted out their parts. Sitting there, I thought the play was probably the worst performance I'd ever witnessed.

Later that day, I told a second-grader how I felt about the play. I didn't intend to be rude or hateful; I was simply giving my opinion. Offended, he told his teacher what I had said. His teacher told my teacher, and I got in trouble! That day, I began learning to think before I spoke. I discovered that I don't need to say every thought that enters my head. My tongue is in a wet place and can easily slip!

2. Say what you mean and mean what you say.

Three men were eating dinner at a restaurant. The waiter asked, "What will you have for dessert?" The first diner said, "Nothing for me." The second said, "I'm stuffed." The third replied, "Couldn't eat another bite." When the waiter told them dessert came came with the meal, the first diner said, "Ice cream." The second said, "Pecan pie." The third responded, " Chocolate layer cake."

Telling the truth is important. We should let our communication be honest and forthright.

3. Speak the truth in love.

Jesus was full of grace and truth, and the people "wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth" ( Luke 4:22 ). What we say is important, but how say it it equally important. Our tone can either strengthen or weaken our influence.

Most of man's sins are by his tongue. God has provided supernatural power to control our tongues and to speak helpful words.

BIBLE STUDY: Turn to Ephesians 4:29-32. Read, discuss, and apply these verses about our speech.

--Harold Vaughan--