Family Devotion: Week of October 13
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Devotion:
“If you’ve forgotten the language of gratitude, you’ll never be on speaking terms with happiness.”
Just a few miles outside of San Antonio sits the small-town of Bandera, Texas. This area is considered to be the “Cowboy Capital of the World”.
In 1977, a pageant was being hosted titled “Little Mr. Texas”, and 8-year-old Matt, with shining blue eyes and a flashing smile, was giddy to be a contestant. His single mother had prepped him for this, always quoting the same thing for every big event Matt would face in life, “Matt, don’t you walk in that place like you want to buy it. You walk in that place like you own it.”
Her hard life had put some strength behind her tone, so Matt put on his button-down shirt, pulled up his cowboy boots, and fastened his belt buckle. Before long, lights flashed, confetti fell, and a plaque was placed in Matt’s hand.
Life moved on for Matt and his mom, but every morning from that day he’d come barreling in for breakfast and would pass the picture hanging on the wall with him holding his trophy. Matt’s mom would pause what she was doing as he entered the kitchen, and in her sweet southern drawl, she’d say, “Look at you. There you are, Matthew. There’s my Little Mr. Texas.”.
For the next 11 years, every morning Matt would be greeted with this recognition. Even after graduating and leaving the house, Matt often drew strength from the confidence his mama spoke into him. It wasn’t until 2019, after many accomplishments, fame, and fortune, that Matt took a closer look at the picture. Now with a net worth of over $1.6 million, he knew what it meant to succeed. He didn’t need the affirmation, but studying the picture still hanging on his mom’s wall, something grabbed his attention. He moved in closer. Engraved on the trophy’s plaque read, “Little Mr. Texas, Runner up.”
There is power in our words. In fact, Prov. 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
Matt’s mom planted fruits of success and confidence by what she said. What are you planting?
Negativity can rob, isolate, and destroy not only our present, but also our future. The book of Proverbs is filled with the power of wise words. Are your words edifying and uplifting? Do they have a spirit of gratitude in what you say? The bible teaches the tongue is an indicator of a person’s spirit. No matter what we speak, our words reveal what is in our heart (Luke 6:45). When you have a heart of thanksgiving, the words you speak will become more life giving.
Challenge:
Speak in a way that edifies and builds up. Be careful not to tear down God’s creation, including yourself. Speak with praise and thanksgiving. You’ll be amazed at how much brighter your world will become.
Questions:
- What do you find yourself saying multiple times a day?
- How do you encourage and build up those around you on a daily basis?
- The bible teaches we are snared by the words of our mouth, what do you think this means?
- What do you want to start doing today to speak life over your future, and the future of others?
