March 6, 2014 Dont Say Youll Pray for Me Lysa TerKeurst A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11 (NIV 1984) Ive been convicted about empty statements. These are words I say to make a conversation a little more comfortable in the moment. But do I really mean what I say? Empty statements can also be little promises that give a needed lift to someone. Yet without a plan to actually keep that promise, do I really intend to keep it? Its not that these statements are wrong, bad or ill-intentioned. But they are empty at best and potentially hurtful at worst. People in my life deserve better than that. I want to be a woman who exemplifies Gods Word by keeping my word. The Bible is clear that our words matter; our words carry weight. Proverbs 25:11 says, A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Our words can be gifts. But if we speak words with no follow-through, they can be hurtful. Its like holding out a gift but refusing to give it. Here are three empty statements I want to stop saying if I dont have a plan for follow-through: 1. Im praying for you. Obviously, I do want to pray for people. And sometimes when I say this, I have great follow-through. But other times I forget. A great intention doesnt make for a great prayer. So, I need to pray for that person right then and there, or I need to keep a journal in my purse to write down prayer requests. 2. Lets get together sometime. Either I need to pull out my calendar and schedule time with someone or be honest about my current time constraints. The people-pleaser in me struggles with this. When people say this to me without any follow-through, it hurts. While I cant change what others say to me, I can make a heart policy to not do this to others. 3. Im good, how are you? Understandably, sometimes this is the right, polite statement to say when Im quickly greeting someone. But I will also say this to others with whom I really should be more open and honest. Im reluctant sometimes to let even close friends know needs bubbling below my Im good statements. If I will be braver to open up, it will give my friends permission to do the same. So, there they are. My three empty statements and my convictions to do a better job of saying what I mean and meaning what I say. Lets commit to being women who keep our word. Right now. Today. Not only will it strengthen our friendships but it will make our relationship with the Lord more authentic as we live out His Word. Dear Lord, thank You for convicting me about using empty statements. My words can be powerful tools and I want to use them for Your purposes. In Jesus Name, Ame
Posted on: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 10:59:35 +0000
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