Have you ever heard of someone getting their mouth washed out with soap? I’m guessing it’s not something that happens very much anymore, if ever. And that’s a good thing. But have you ever wondered why people did that? Among other things, it was a symbolic act meant to teach a child that their words … Continue reading Washing your mouth out with hope?
words
Speaking truthfully about God
The Ten Commandments are among the best known biblical teachings all over the world. Many of us know them. But do we know them? For example, Exodus 20: 7 says: “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” The older … Continue reading Speaking truthfully about God
Trust in the jungle of unpredictability
Life can be chaotic. And volatile. And hard. That’s why friendship is so important. Christian ethicist Lewis Smedes wrote an article about the power of making a promise. He says that when you make a promise to someone, “You have created a small sanctuary of trust within the jungle of unpredictability.” I think that’s great … Continue reading Trust in the jungle of unpredictability
When you haven’t kept your word
For the past two days I’ve been talking about being a person of your word—a person who is honest and trustworthy. In Matthew 5:37 Jesus taught about the importance of speaking with sincerity: “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” It’s a statement that … Continue reading When you haven’t kept your word
A light, even in your words
Yesterday’s devotional was about being a person of your word. I said that people who keep their promises keep track of their promises. It makes total sense. If you’re going to be a person who is trustworthy and who keeps their promises, you have to know what they are. You need to keep track of … Continue reading A light, even in your words
Can you remember what you promised?
Before the world of contracts and fine print, do you remember hearing about agreements that were made on the shake of a hand? Remember when someone could be trusted “at their word”? Nowadays, that seems rare. We live in an age of verbal mistrust. So many people break promises that it doesn’t even surprise us … Continue reading Can you remember what you promised?
The truth about what you casually say
What do you believe? Really? Not what you SAY you believe, but what you ACTUALLY believe? Sometimes you’ll hear it said that how you spend your time and energy is the true measure of your true beliefs. Why? Because it’s a practical demonstration of your actual priorities. But today I’d like to suggest something else: What … Continue reading The truth about what you casually say
Talk is… cheap?
“Talk is cheap.” Have you ever heard someone use that expression? It’s the cousin to “Actions speak louder than words.” I get where it comes from. Quite often, we only know if someone means what they say if they back it up with their actions. But WHY? WHY do so many people think talk is … Continue reading Talk is… cheap?
How’d no complaining go?
7 days ago I proposed the 7-Day No-Complaint challenge. (You can see that post here.) The idea was simple. Wear a watch or bracelet, and every time you complain about something irrelevant, switch it to the other wrist. Quite simply, it makes you more aware of how much you’re complaining—and hopefully helps you dial down … Continue reading How’d no complaining go?
The 7-Day No Complaint Challenge
Thou shalt not complain. You’re right. It’s not one of the 10 commandments. But the Bible certainly warns against complaining all the time. I think about the ancient Hebrews complaining to Moses in the wilderness. Or Philippians 2:14-15 (NLT) where Paul says this: “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize … Continue reading The 7-Day No Complaint Challenge
