Chapter six in the gospel of Luke.... yeah, I'm still there :) Such wonderful, simple, beautiful and difficult lessons of Jesus. I call it the store room of His teachings.
Speaking about store rooms... Jesus explains in this chapter that a tree is recognized by its fruit. Have you ever observed a fruit tree from up close, before it bears fruit? You have to be a farmer or landscaper to see whether a tree is an apple, pear or prune tree. Once the tree bears fruit it is much easier to name the tree, even for a layman. So it is with people. A good or bad person is hardly ever recognized by his outer appearance, but by the fruit his life produces.
Back to store rooms... Let's take a look at verse 45 where Jesus is speaking: The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. The first question that comes to my mind is: what is the overflow of my heart? That is also the question I would like to share with you. We can recognize what is in someone's heart by the words he/she speaks. WE will be recognized by the words we speak.
It doesn't matter much whom I encounter on the streets nowadays, at the store, in church, or at work... everywhere I am hearing the same words: financial crisis, failing economy, unemployment, disease, fear, cancer, politics, the weather, the world. Out of the overflow...
Seldom, very seldom do I speak with someone who utters words of encouragement, trust and faith in God. Are there still people out there whose heart is a store room of joy about God, His Word and Jesus? I do not mean on the internet, but in daily conversation. Maybe this is not a nice question to ask, but if we truly confess that we have a heart for God and His Word we have to speak likewise. Our words can build up or beak down.
Marja, your economy with words always blesses me- You say much with just a small amount- this post is so true. Good medicine for the day...I have been pondering lately how thoughts are like seeds- I am sure I am not the first or only one to think about it but God brought it up recently and it is stirring around within me to do as you say here- make the seeds I share, spread and throw out there be worthy of throwing! That that which comes out of my mouth would not be wasted seeds but seeds that spread hope, joy, a word from our Lord...something meaningful, scriptural or true - better still- all three!
ReplyDeleteBetter still... all three! I like that Dawn.
DeleteI am trying to keep my blog post short, easy to read, lots to think about :)
Thanks for stopping by.
Oh, Marja, this is one of my soapboxes: our words! "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." Scary stuff! I pray to always speak life to others. Another great post, sweetie! Bless you!
ReplyDeleteI know it is one of your soap boxes, definitely one of mine too!
DeleteGreat post, Marja!
ReplyDeleteAs you pointed out, the words we speak directly impact our future. We will act on those words and produce a harvest.
So true Susan, they shape our future. That's why Jesus always spoke words of hope and life!
DeleteAh yes, I've been thinking about this very thing lately! Working on sowing more worthwhile things and reaping that good abundance. My desire is to honor Him and speak life to those around me. Thanks so much for making me think (as always!:) - wonderful things to ponder.
ReplyDeleteSometimes my heart aches Karen, I wan to speak more about Jesus, and less about the world's economy!
Delete