Reflection on Numbers13:26–14:12
By
nature we are sight-walkers, not faith-walkers. We tend to have confidence in
what we can see and know. The Israelites feared what was unseen and unknown,
even though success had already been promised to them. The whole nation, apart
from Joshua and Caleb, refused to journey toward the promised land because they
were intimidated and afraid. Not only did the Israelites not go forward, they
wanted to return to Egypt, the place where they had been enslaved.
We
sometimes idealize our past and want to go back because we fear the future, but
that isn’t faith. God is always calling us forward—and assuring us that he is
with us for our good.
THE PROPER USE OF
WORDS
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only
such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment,
that it may give grace to those who hear.
How
do we express our perceptions of people? Primarily by what we say to them.
Studies have shown that in the average home, for every positive statement, a
child receives 10 negative statements. The school environment is only slightly
better; students hear seven negative statements from their teachers for every
one positive statement. No wonder so many children are growing up feeling they
are losers. Parents and teachers are conveying that perception every day in how
they talk to their children.
These
studies go on to point out that it takes four positive statements to negate the
effect of one negative statement. You probably verify that finding every time
you wear a new suit or dress. A number of your friends may say, "Oh, what
a good-looking outfit." But it only takes one comment like "It's
really not you" to send you scurrying back to the store for a refund. We
affect others significantly by what we say about them, and what we say is
significantly determined by how we perceive them.
If
we could memorize just one verse from the New Testament, put it into practice
and never violate it, I believe we would resolve half to three-fourths of the
problems in our homes and churches. The verse is Ephesians 4:29. Isn't it
amazing that you and I have the power to give grace to others through the
proper use of our words? If we said nothing to put others down, and only built
up others as Ephesians 4:29 commands, we would be part of God's construction
crew in the church instead of members of Satan's wrecking crew.
Prayer: Father, I know my
tongue is capable of blessing or cursing others. Guard my words today so I may
edify others through what I say.
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