A Word Fitly Spoken
Devotion by Doug Thorpe
We, as teachers and spiritual leaders, will be accountable to God for the words we speak. Careless words demonstrate a lack of God's wisdom in our lives.
I. Our words have tremendous potential
A. It only takes a little fire to do a lot of damage (James 3:5-6)
B. As teachers, we have the opportunity to uplift our students
1. Be interested in their lives
2. Tell them you appreciate them
3. Encourage them to strive for excellence
II. Only God can tame the tongue (James 1:8)
A. We run Into trouble when we try to control our tongues without God's help
B. God will give us the words to say (Luke 12:12)
III. Our words show who we are
A. If it's in our hearts, it will eventually come out of our mouths
B. We are chosen leaders and must permeate our hearts and minds with the Word of God
1. God's truth should flow from us
2. Moses was powerful because he was chosen
3. We are chosen for the task before us (2 Peter 2:9)
IV. We ought to talk to others the way we talk to God
A. Every person deserves your respect
B. All are created in the image of God
C. Kindness and courteousness: "you first" attitude
Practical advice:
The fool is full of words.
Don't talk about someone, talk to them.
Glorifying God one day at a time is the key to controlling our tongues.
Created almost 2 years ago
