"Our Words"

One of the most serious teachings found in the Bible is often over-looked. Little time and effort is devoted to it. Jesus spoke that our 'yes' is to be 'yes' and our 'no' is to be 'no.' (Matt. 5:37). I hear people use the statement, "Don't sweat the small stuff!" That's simply not true. Jesus said it was the "small stuff" that reveals the real character of a person! (Luke 16:10-12).

Our words have great meaning in the eyes of the Lord. The little things matter and should matter to us. You hear someone say, "I'll call you back!" and they never do. Or someone says, "Ill be there in about 20 minutes." and several hours later they show up. What do things like this reveal about the character of the person? What's worse is when people make commitments with their mouths and never follow through, there is no apology, no remorse and if you ask them that they should have at least let you know, they start their little world of sulking or irritation like you did the wrong! Sometimes people just flat out fail in their words and never do anything, not even showing up!

Our words and work with the small things in our lives are so important. If we can't be honest and sincere in the small, Jesus said we will never be honest and sincere in the big! That's just a spiritual fact. Sometimes people have well intentions but intentions are not what life is about. It is about service, dependability and trustworthiness. That's what our relationship to the Lord should make us all. The Lord builds character, our character. Just as a thief that puts on the Lord Jesus is to steal no longer but work with their hands to have something to share with others (Eph. 4:28). The Lord is suppose to make a difference.

Yes, sometimes we fail but those that are sensitive in their faithfulness acknowledge that quickly and are humble and repentant over their failure. Sometimes things happen that are beyond our control and the humble in heart are quick to make certain that statement of 'yes' or 'no' is accounted for by contacting the one we gave our word to. It's those who never acknowledge, never keep what they say that is troublesome. It is about living a virtuous life!

There is nothing greater than when a person says they will do something, they do it! They do it when they say they will do it and if they can't, they immediately respond. They are concerned about their character before the Lord. They are concerned about dependability and trustworthiness. Our words are directly tied to our heart and what is going on in the heart is revealed by our words. That should make us all pause and know that the little things we commit to reveal volumes about our lives and character. Can people trust and depend on what you say?