My Words Have an Impact
If there is one thing I’ve learned from being a mom over the last six and a half years, it’s that my words have a powerful impact in the lives of my four kiddos. Almost every syllable that has come out of my mouth has been absorbed, regurgitated, and spewed out in some form or fashion by them, whether good or bad. It constantly reminds me of Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” You see, as parents we have been given an incredible opportunity to build our children up through our teaching, prayer, and encouraging words, but at the same time, we have the ability to speak words that may cause confusion, anger, disappointment, or pain. If you’re like me, this somewhat heavy truth makes you wonder, “How do I keep from saying the wrong thing? How do I speak life into my children?”
Well, beloved, the sweetest answer lies in 2 Peter 1:3:
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
“Everything we need.”
Let those words just sink in for a moment. Everything…
Wisdom…
Grace…
Love…
Understanding…
Forgiveness…
His Word…
His Spirit…Everything.
Friend, God would have never entrusted those “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) babes to us without first giving us the wisdom, strength, self-control, and understanding we need to raise them.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that all God’s people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
We Must Seek Out His Help
He truly has given us everything we need to do this parenting thing according to His will, but the part that we sometimes miss is that we must be willing to seek out and accept His help. In other words, in order for us to speak gentle words full of love, kindness, and goodness to our children, we must first be filled with those things. And the only way to be filled with those is to meditate on His Word day and night as we draw closer to Him.
Remember what 2 Timothy 4:2 says?
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction.”
The foundation of our parenting needs to be Scripture and Spirit. The more we seek God, the more we understand Him. The more we understand Him, the easier it is to submit to Him. When we submit to Him, His truth transforms our hearts. When our hearts are transformed, our lives will change. When our lives change, we change the lives of our children in a mighty and awesome way.
Speak Life through the Word
So, what do you say, friend?
Are you ready to speak words of truth and life into our kids?
If so, let’s start with letting Him first fill our lives through His perfect Word.
“… For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”
- How Will You Respond? - June 19, 2018
- An Abiding Friend - April 26, 2018
- A Prayer For Our Children - April 10, 2018
