Which One?

Suppose you’re on a competition show (of any kind: food or… I actually can’t think of any other kinds), and down to the wire. You and one other person are competing for the chance to represent your team in the finals, and try to beat the opposition, to be crowned champ.

Which would you rather your coach say to motivate you:

1. [Coach, pointing in your direction and looking stern] Hey guys- one of you is going home…Remember that.
OR
2. [Coach, pointing in your direction and smiling] Hey guys- one of you is going to the finals…Remember that.

I’m a #2 kind of girl. “Not that! The other #2!” (Know that movie quote?)

Sometimes what motivates one person discourages another. If my coach reminded me that one of us was going home, I would be convinced it would be me, and possibly be even more nervous as I tried harder not to mess up. I’m good at messing up. Especially when I’m nervous and under pressure. I know not everyone is the same. Some of you may appreciate the threat of failure to motivate you to succeed. For some people that lights a fire under them, and makes them yell “Oh- it’s ON!”

My point is that I need to be wise with my words, and know my audience. How is what I’m saying going to be received? Will my intention to motivate actually cause someone to stumble or be discouraged? I want to sow life into others, provoke others to good works, and be a light with my words and actions. This is where relationship is key, as is waiting for wisdom from the Holy Spirit, rather than blurting out the first thing that pops into my mind. So many times I speak before thinking when it should totally be the other way around. (And I do know Prov. 29:11…)

And yes, thinking without speaking works too! We don’t always have to share everything we think!! (Again- Prov. 29:11!)

Lord help me be encouraging to those around me and inspire them with words that reflect the presence of Your Spirit within me, and not just say what I think they need to hear.

Psa 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Pro 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.