The importance of how our talk shapes our relationships and our direction in life cannot be overstated. Words matter. Let’s take a look at how your words can have an impact.
Words Matter
“Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”
How we speak and what we say matter to God. Many times in modern culture, the power of the tongue is overlooked, and people believe their words carry no weight.
A snarky comment here or a curse word there is accepted as “the norm.”
In the above verse, the Psalmist appeals to the Lord to guard his mouth like a sentinel or a police officer. Why?
Words have both the power to build and destroy. The content of our speech is of great consequence to those around us and to God.
We are called as Christians to stand apart and reflect the light of Christ in our lives and words.
- “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” (Proverbs 21:23 NIV)
- “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21)
- “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” (Proverbs 13:3)
Athlete, you have a choice every day to invite God to watch over your words.
When a teammate makes an error, you have the choice to tear them down with insults or build them up with encouragement.
Check out the full devotional entitled Use This Mouthguard published by Athletes in Action in November 2018.
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Check out other devotionals on the site!
The things we say count. Be positive!
Love, K.
-K.A. Wypych, Contributor Athletes in Action and Author of Ten Iron Principles
