Life gives us opportunities to be a light to the world as we interact with people. We will be challenged, offended, tempted, hurt? It is a part of life. The question is how will we react and what words will come out of our mouths? This is the real testing-ground for our faith.
Influencers Global Ministries
Day 1
Scripture: James 1:19
Will You Act or React?
ACTION: Listen and slow to speak
I try to operate under a simple reminder with the use of my words. It goes like this: “I have said many words that I have regretted. But I have never regretted words that I did not say.” Why does this reminder serve as a filter for me? I can answer it with one word….“Regret.” Regret is a sense of being ashamed of one’s self. It is to be sorry. Contrite. Remorseful. Repentant.
True repentance gives us an opportunity for a do-over. But true repentance also requires a sincere effort with avoidance of a previous mistake. The word-filter I speak of gives me time to listen and measure my response so that I will use my words honorably and to God’s glory. I do this, for I sincerely regret many of the words I have spoken in my past.
When a word leaves your mouth it can never be brought back. It is out there as a constant reminder that this word came from you. Does it bless or curse a person? If it hurts someone, it will eventually come back to hurt you. Now I understand that there are some sly people who are skilled in getting gossip or slander out and distancing themselves as the source. They delight in this undermining of a victim. I have known some of these people, and they are lowest on my respect meter because of their practice.
But the truth is, even though they think their sneaky work is toward another person, they are undermining themselves and distancing themselves from the Lord. Don’t join that crowd. If you want to be Jesus’ disciple. Learning to control your tongue is essential.
Day 2
Scriptures: Proverbs 18:13, Luke 6:45
Will You Act or React?
ACTION: Analyze the deeper issue being said
A good leader is a good communicator, but a great leader is a great listener.
Now don’t get me wrong and think that I’m saying that the words of a great listener are not important, for they are. True communication requires dialogue, which is talking and listening, listening and talking.
But what we see and feel about what is being said is as important as what we hear—and maybe even more so. Jesus said that words are a good indication of the condition of a person’s heart. (Luke 6:45) The words that we hear often come from distress or fear or anger or jealousy in a person’s heart. This condition works its way to the surface of a life.
If we knew this fact, would it make a difference in how we hear the words and how we react to them? Would it help us see a hidden struggle that might cause someone to say things that they may one day regret? I think it would help a leader, especially if he or she wants to influence someone to find peace in the midst of his or her chaos and despair.
The greatest gift we can give someone can sometimes be to just listen and let him or her work through the process of finding an answer. When the time is right, a right word from us, spoken at the right time, can produce a harvest of fruit to our King’s glory. Wait for the right moment, and when God tees it up for you, speak the words He has given to you.
Day 3
Scripture: Proverbs 16:24
Will You Act or React?
ACTION: Consider your response
God will often invite us to join Him in His ministry to another person. Our words can be His instrument of love and edification, provided we hear Him and respond appropriately. Remember this though: If we speak for God, then we must sound like Him. I’m not talking about a fake voice of authority. Nor am I talking about words that manipulate people to do as we want or think needs to be done, because we think God told us to tell them something.
It should not be our objective to elevate our status in their eyes just because we minister insightful or encouraging words from God to them. Don’t place on yourself a mantle of being a prophet so you can dismiss your rudeness and judgmental attitude as His work in you. No, this does not sound like God.
Sounding like God means our words are seasoned with His mercy, love and grace. His words pass through and align with sound theology and His personality, not our own personal philosophies. God’s words build up, although they sometimes must break down barriers. God’s prophets were sent to challenge and teach, but also to restore people to God. God’s voice in us always sounds like Him if it is Him speaking, and our words point back to Him.
When confronted with something that requires a response, always make time, even if it is a short time, to ask the Holy Spirit to guide your response. He will guide you in the best way possible and what you say will sound a lot like Him, provided you listen and obey. That voice is always good, and it will point eyes back to Him where they need to be.
Day 4
Scripture: Ephesians 6:7-8
Will You Act or React?
ACTION: Speak words that encourage
Think about all the discouraging words we hear in a typical day. We hear them at work. We hear them on the road as we drive. We hear them in the news. We hear them from voices all around us, maybe even at home. My question to you is: Do you contribute to the discouraging words that someone is being inundated with or do you offer words that encourage, bless and uplift?
If you are just another discouraging voice to the people around you, then you are not a reflection of Christ, but rather a reflection of the world. Why do I say this? Jesus said that His disciples should be salt and light to the world. This means that we season it and shed light on darkness… His light. We cannot do this if we join the negative voices people hear.
They must see and hear that Jesus is their encourager, and His work of encouragement flows through those of us who are encouraged by Him. So the question is: Is He loving and encouraging you? If so, then give what He gives to you away and you will receive new encouragement from Him in return. If you are not encouraged, maybe it’s because you have backed up the flow of Christ’s encouragement to you and you are stagnated?
I have found that God gives back to us what we give away to someone else in need. Therefore, if you are discouraged and you need to be encouraged, look for someone who needs it as well and offer words that will uplift that person. Before long you will see God uplifting you. Words spoken that reflect Christ in you honors God, and He will let you know that he is pleased.
Day 5
Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 3:18, 2 Corinthians 5:17
Will You Act or React?
ACTION: Be a reflection of Christ
Several years ago when I was in busines I went through training for the admiration of a personality profile system. I was told that people normally put on a front in trying to be the person they would like to be, but under pressure they resort to who they really are. I thought that what was being taught was rather fatalistic, in that they were saying people cannot change, and deep down, you are who you are and there is nothing that can be done about it.
I challenged the professor and told him that as a Christian, I believe that the scripture in 2 Corinthians 5:17 teaches otherwise. It says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” I was surprised by his response. He said that they have discovered that it is true that the values one holds dear override the normal personality of the person, and in fact, they were in the process of writing a “values supplement” to their evaluation tool.
But remember, some values are not necessarily good values. So it might not necessarily be a good thing. Do you want good values to override your basic instincts? Then Christ must show through you to the people around you, both in good and challenging situations.
We say often that the discipleship of the Holy Spirit in reforming a man is an inside out transformation. In other words, it begins in the man’s heart, away from the view of others. If it is not in the heart, then our willpower to reflect the character of Christ and make of ourselves something other than who we are deep down will fail.
Under pressure we will resort to our normal personality, which is often destructive. But, if our heart is good because we live in close proximity with Christ, then what people see and hear from our life is a reflection of Christ no matter our circumstances. The reflection of Christ is what the world needs to see. So unveil it and let it shine.