The Piece of Gravel and the Windshield
There once was an insignificant piece of gravel in the middle of a busy highway in the province of Ontario, Canada. It was no wonder it didn’t think very highly of itself. People would zoom by it with their cars just like it was a piece of junk that nobody wanted, the force of the wind they created making it roll around the road. Compared to the smooth, black-asphalted highway that people highly regarded as their main travel way, it was completely ignored. If only he could be like…a windshield, yes, a windshield.
Windshields seem strong and beautiful. Motorists constantly stare at them with apparent admiration . . . THEY certainly don’t ever seem to go unnoticed!
“If only I could be a windshield!” the piece of gravel sighed out loudly.
“Why?” the asphalted highway underneath it ask.
“Then I would be admired instead of being ignored!” it answered. “Windshields can resist high winds. Nothing is stronger and more beautiful than a windshield!”
As soon as it said this, a vehicle ran over it, and it found itself propelled by the back tire of that car. “I am flying! I am flying!” he exclaimed excitedly. Then it slammed into the windshield of the next car.
To its amazement, the windshield that had seemed so strong shattered!
Suddenly the piece of gravel didn’t feel so insignificant. It could shatter the mighty!
The words that we speak can be just like that piece of
gravel. We think their impact is insignificant. However, the
words of criticism, negativity and discouragement that can
be propelled from our mouth can make even the mighty
crumble.
“Can’t you do anything right? Get out of here!”
These words are disastrous to the ears of kids and adults
alike.
What we say reveals who we really are. It reveals our true
personality. It tells others our innermost memories and
contemplations. Jesus knew the impact of words and clearly
warned us:
Matt 12:36-37 “But I tell you, on the day of judgment men
will have to give account for every idle (inoperative,
nonworking) word they speak. For by your words you will be
justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be
condemned and sentenced." AMP
Do you know who YOU are? What do YOUR words tell about you?
Listen to yourself today and learn! Are your words always
constructive, uplifting, and encouraging? If yes, you must
be a follower of Jesus Christ. If not, don’t despair. You
can change the impact of your words by starting to rely on
the One whose every word made a difference in other people
lives; The one who forgave those who crucified him while he
was dying; The one who reached out to others while he was
hanging on a cross, even promising eternal life to the thief
on the next cross.
Invite Him into your life and ask His to guard your words,
so that every word out of your mouth brings life instead of
destruction!
Rob Chaffart