Hebrews 3:13
"But
encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you
may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."
(NIV)
It was back when kitchen drain lines didn't have to
pour into a septic tank. It was perfectly acceptable for them to slither
underground and bleed just beneath the surface some yards beyond a house. It was
here, under several pieces of roof tin, that Grandmammy kept her treasure.
My maternal grandmother was an anomaly. I've never
been associated with many older women who loved to fish, but she did. Her life
revolved around heaving lines, the fruit of which was eaten or sold.
Everything about her revealed her identity. Cane poles
resting on the side of the old farm house. Brackets above her car windows for
holding poles. Boat motor in the car trunk along with a gas can. Cricket basket
hanging from the porch rafters. And an old straw hat neatly tucked in the
closet.
But her cherished jewels were under the slices of tin
in the backyard. Where the ground was moist from an almost steady flow of water
from the kitchen sink and where the tin sheets shielded the sun's rays. Here lay
her gems. Slimy, gooey, wiggling, plump night crawlers. Only when she was ready
to fish did she uncover her treasure cove and release what brought her and
others satisfaction.
The power of encouragement. A treasure often buried or
at least slightly covered. One that when released has the potential to bring
enormous pleasure to others. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to make it a
regular practice to resist sin.
I've never met anyone who said, "Please stop. I've had
all the encouragement I can take. I need to hear some negative pessimistic
comments." I've never assumed I was offering too much encouragement. Nor have I
received more than my share.
Our mouths are unique. The same tongues that exude
gossip, negativity, pessimism, lies, slander, caustic remarks, and cursing can
also speak words of encouragement, optimism, kindness, truth, and grace. The
treasure of encouragement lies within each of us, but releasing it is a choice.
What can you say that would not be better left unsaid?
Prayer: Father, may the words of our mouth be
acceptable to You and encouraging to others.
Martin Wiles
mandmwiles@homesc.com
Harleyville, South Carolina, USA
www.morningliteministry.com
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