There are about 170,000 words in current use in the English language. We use at least 7,000 words a day. That is a lot of words. That tells me that our words matter. I also believe that the tone of our words matters too. What about the saying that “actions speak louder than words”? While those exact words are not found in the Bible, what we read in James 1:22 comes close. It says, “But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Then there is 1 John 3:18 where we read, “Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth.”
That tells me that we should be mindful of not only what we say, but what we do. Wow, that can be hard some days. Those days when nap time is shorter than you had planned, how do you greet your little one when they wake up too soon? Or those long days when there is so much dirty laundry and too many dirty dishes and dinner still needs to be cooked, how do you greet your spouse when they come home? How about at the crowded grocery store with the long line to check out and a toddler that is done with shopping; how do you treat the cashier? What about on the soccer field and the call doesn’t go the way you want; how do you treat the referee or the other team?
I have said it more than once and I will say it again: Parenting is hard, and marriage is hard, but God is good. He created us to love others with our words and our actions. I want to challenge you this week to pay attention to your words as well as your actions. As you spend time with God, surrender your day to Him. Tell Him that you want more of Him and less of you each day. On the days when your little one wakes up too early, let them know you are glad to see them. On those busy days when you just want to get those chores done, stop and greet your spouse when they come home from work. When the grocery shopping trip is frustrating, thank the cashier. And when things get out of hand during a game, lead by example on what good sportsmanship looks like, for the kids and the adults.
God can use us to shine His light when we live out His word in our actions and our words.
Resources
As the faith builders in your home, you can find a complete Bible story worship experience with your child by going to ministrygrid.lifeway.com and create or log in to your free account. Then follow this link for this week’s lesson: Jesus Taught Two Men.