Influencers Weekly Devotional

October 4, 2010

Go With ME

Embracing our Sacred Responsibility with Christ

Right Words

"A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11 (NIV)

Some time ago I heard a quote that challenged me, which caused me to redefine my use of words. There is a lot of wisdom in it: "I have said many things I have regretted, but I have never regretted something I did not say." The reason this caution means so much to me is because I am seeing, as never before, how words can both encourage and tear down the listener. Words can create harmony, but also disunity. Words can inspire good works, as well bad. Words can bless, but also curse. But best of all, a right word, spoken at the right time, can deliver a perspective that can be attributed only to Divine wisdom and inspiration. I have grown weary with regretting my unwise use of words, and I want to spend the rest of my life speaking words of encouragement that will both honor my King, and by default, my own life. I know God delights in words that edify the listener, especially if they are spoken by His child. God deserves words spoken that reflect His heart. As an example, I heard of a man that did this, and I want to share his story with you. The man I speak of was faced with a terrible tragedy, as his 3 year old daughter was killed in a farm accident. The child's aunt and his sister-in-law had accidentally backed over the child with a farm vehicle, not knowing the girl was behind her. The grandfather and mother of the child rushed her to the hospital, even though they knew it was too late. The father was notified at work and rushed to the emergency room, where he was informed that his daughter was dead. As I did the math with the age of the child back when the accident occurred, I determined the child would be my youngest daughter's age today, if she had lived. This caused me to ask myself what I would have done in the same situation, for I know it would have been easy for me to lose it and say things I would later regret. The words this man spoke, at this critical time in his family's life, reinforce my conviction of the use of wise words and why God's man needs to be ready to deliver them in a moment’s notice. It was a tragic situation in this man's life, as well as in his family’s. Even so, had he not spoken wise and edifying words at the right moment, the tragedy would have been compounded in guilt, un-forgiveness, shame, and lifelong grief for many, many years. The aunt was racked with guilt, and she feared she would never be forgiven. Being a grandfather myself, I know the grandfather was feeling deep hurt that he wasn't properly watching the child. Even though the mother was in the house, you know the Accuser was shooting his arrows at her, and she was struggling with regret. The family was strong in their faith and believed God could do anything, that miracles are His to perform. Therefore, it was with no surprise that a suggestion came forth that the family should gather around the child and pray that life would return to her small, crushed body. The father was known at the time as a quiet man, but deeply strong in his faith. Although his words were few, they brought great insight and edification when he spoke. Certainly it is not wrong to ask for a miracle, if a miracle is needed, and no one was offended by the suggestion. But we should also recognize that miracles are the exception, and God expects us to remember that our entire existence is not limited to this life. There is something far greater waiting on us. When the father heard the suggestion he answered, "If she is where we all want to be one day, why would we want to call to her to come back?" These were only a few words, spoken by a quiet man who had a deep faith in his daughter's position as God's child and where her soul now resided. Because of this, he spoke with wise words that ministered to hearts that were earthbound with grief from the tragedy and needed a reminder of the hope the family had in Christ. The father's words brought them back to this hope in Christ and reminded them of their responsibility to live with this hope and to react differently because of this hope. The grief they all felt received joyful comfort, as the Holy Spirit walked them through the normal grieving process, reminding them that the child was in His care. Forgiveness was showered on the aunt, and the guilt building in her thoughts was disarmed. The family pulled together, and the Accuser had no ground to stand on. All of this occurred because a humble, quiet man spoke words of wisdom, and led his family to God's throne for His all-sufficient grace to wash over them. When I heard this story, I thanked my King that He has allowed me to serve His purpose in helping His men grow in wisdom because they are learning to walk in close proximity with Him. I realize that any effort toward this cause has great value to Him and is greatly on His heart. When our leaders, who we call "Guides," facilitate a Journey Group, they are investing their life and time to help other men walk with Christ in this fashion. They do this, for they desire to serve God and walk closely with Him themselves. Throughout the nation we are hearing stories of men who take this Journey and are then, impacting their world in incredible ways and in a similar fashion to the man I mentioned. There is a reason, and it seems to be almost predictable. Credible sources tell us that when a man comes to know Christ and lives an authentic Christian life, over 80% of the time his family follows him in following Christ. This is compared to less than 20% for women. This is not a slam against women for, God bless them, they have been holding the torch high while men have been, at best, casual in their pursuit of Christ. But the sober fact is that God created men to be spiritual leaders for their families and to impact their world around them in a dynamic fashion. When a man walks closely with Christ, his leadership capabilities are unleashed from their stagnant condition, and he then lives as he is designed by God to do so. But the other sober truth is if Christian men do not become empowered and unleashed to serve as they are designed, their families often become victims, and they never experience the fullness in Christ for which they yearn. Therefore, I implore you men who are reading this devotional to understand that the cost is too great if you live in a casual spiritual condition. If you are in a Journey Group, Ichallenge you to stay the course and complete it, for it will walk you to this intimacy with Christ which you so desperately need. If you have completed a group and are now asking, "What's next?" I ask you to find some men who are spiritually stagnant and facilitate a group for them. We need you to help us go after God's men. If you are not presently in a Journey Group and want to be in one, please let us know, and we will help you find one. We want you to join us in our journey with Christ. God wants you, and we want you as well. Men, remember this: a right word spoken at the right time is a characteristic of a person who is abiding in Christ. In our flesh, we will never know how and when to speak words that can be described as divinely inspired. However, as we abide in Christ, we are prompted by Him as to how and when to speak. This is why our ministry to you always points to this abiding relationship with Christ. It is in this proximity to Him that you become His man for all occasions, and you, too, will speak words that would be described as "Apples of gold in settings of silver." To His glory, Rocky TO DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THIS DEVOTIONAL, CLICK HERE