Release The Treasure
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