Words Matter
Theme: Words Matter
Verse: Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. (Proverbs 13:3)
A couple of weeks ago the opening 0:09 of the Group Stage USA-Canada hockey game was quite remarkable. Three separate (not simultaneous) fights broke out in less time than it takes to count a fighter out in an actual boxing match.
Now these were professional players playing for their national teams. And though my wife hates it, fighting is part of the game of hockey. By all accounts the fights were pre-arranged as a way to settle the national squabbles over hockey and other recent events. But like professional wrestling, the fights were set up, so no one was going to get hurt. It got the crowd energized, so it was a really good TV moment. (For the record, the fight sequence ended USA 1 - Canada 1 with one draw and Team USA won the game 3-1.)
But you and I don’t live for TV moments. In the real world when engaging in trash talk, especially when it leads to bigger things, people can really get hurt and not just by a punch in the face.
The problem with trash talking is that you’re never quite sure what the receiver is going to hear. He or she could be having a really bad day, and your words could trigger something dark in their life.
I don’t recall God or Jesus using trash talk in the Bible. If someone can show me an instance, I’ll stand corrected.
God wants us to use acceptable and empowering speech that edifies others. True leaders are usually pretty good at it. They use the gifts that God has given them to uplift and encourage those around them. So, think before you speak, use your words to uplift people.
The following has been attributed to several famous people. Regardless of who coined the saying, it has relevance to how to act when an opportunity for trash talking presents itself.
“It’s Better to Remain Silent and Be Thought a Fool than to Speak and Remove All Doubt.”
Have a GREAT week!
Adapted from Lead with Faith, Play with Purpose by Andy Dooley