In a Bible study I recently finished one chapter discussed the importance of leaving a legacy. We are all remembered for something, good or bad. When you think about you parents you may have great memories of your childhood, or terrible ones, but we all have memories of people who either were or were not there for us, of words that encouraged us or cut us down. I am blessed with amazing memories of my childhood, and of family and friends who were there for me and encouraged me towards spiritual growth. Now it is my turn. Every day I leave a mark on someone, for better or worse. I don't live in a bubble. All of our lives effect and touch others.
If you spend any time around other people you probably have something you are known for. You have the funny friends, life of the party people, sympathetic shoulder to cry on types, the talent, the geek, etc. We all have our quirks that make us difficult to be around sometimes. We can be worriers, complainers, one-uppers, constant critics, whiners, perfectionists. Just find a video on the internet that has gone viral and check the comments, you will soon see that we all have differing personalities and opinions. Even if it is a video of a child singing, or a cat playing with yarn, people will find a way to have a heated argument about it. Our words are so powerful, they show our character and our hearts. The Bible warns us about the power of words multiple times. Our mouths can get us into so much trouble.
Proverbs 12: 18 Some people make cutting remarks,
but the words of the wise bring healing
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
4 Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
Have you ever been cut, another translation says "pierced through the heart" by someones careless words? Has your spirit ever been crushed by someone's lies about you? Has your temper ever flared because of someone else harsh words? Here is the bigger questions, have you ever been the one dishing out the cutting remarks, lies, deceit, or harsh words? I know I have. It is so easy to fall into that pattern. The flip side is that our words have power to bring healing, life, wisdom, and honor to God. My goal is to live in such a way that my words and actions point towards God, that my legacy will be one of gentle grace, kindness, and love.
What do you think people say about you when you are not around? I am not talking about the way you look or your fashion sense. What do you think people say about your character, attitude, and actions? Do you leave people feeling crushed by your words?
1 Peter 2:12 Live such good lives among your unbelieving neighbors , that though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Focusing on what people think of us is not usually a good idea. It can make us totally self absorbed and either insecure or prideful. But when we are focusing on God and striving to make our lifestyles and words match up with His, then it becomes an act of worship.
1 Peter 3:3-4 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God
So, in the end, the question is, what do you want to be known for?
If you spend any time around other people you probably have something you are known for. You have the funny friends, life of the party people, sympathetic shoulder to cry on types, the talent, the geek, etc. We all have our quirks that make us difficult to be around sometimes. We can be worriers, complainers, one-uppers, constant critics, whiners, perfectionists. Just find a video on the internet that has gone viral and check the comments, you will soon see that we all have differing personalities and opinions. Even if it is a video of a child singing, or a cat playing with yarn, people will find a way to have a heated argument about it. Our words are so powerful, they show our character and our hearts. The Bible warns us about the power of words multiple times. Our mouths can get us into so much trouble.
Proverbs 12: 18 Some people make cutting remarks,
but the words of the wise bring healing
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
4 Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
Have you ever been cut, another translation says "pierced through the heart" by someones careless words? Has your spirit ever been crushed by someone's lies about you? Has your temper ever flared because of someone else harsh words? Here is the bigger questions, have you ever been the one dishing out the cutting remarks, lies, deceit, or harsh words? I know I have. It is so easy to fall into that pattern. The flip side is that our words have power to bring healing, life, wisdom, and honor to God. My goal is to live in such a way that my words and actions point towards God, that my legacy will be one of gentle grace, kindness, and love.
What do you think people say about you when you are not around? I am not talking about the way you look or your fashion sense. What do you think people say about your character, attitude, and actions? Do you leave people feeling crushed by your words?
1 Peter 2:12 Live such good lives among your unbelieving neighbors , that though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Focusing on what people think of us is not usually a good idea. It can make us totally self absorbed and either insecure or prideful. But when we are focusing on God and striving to make our lifestyles and words match up with His, then it becomes an act of worship.
1 Peter 3:3-4 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God
So, in the end, the question is, what do you want to be known for?
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