Matt 12:35 “The good man from his inner good treasure flings forth good things,
and the evil man out of his inner evil storehouse flings forth evil things.” AMP
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
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.