Meet Kuma, our new 8-month old Pomeranian puppy! My kids have been begging for a dog for months. My six-year old daughter has given us presentations on the benefits of owning a dog. Every time they asked I thought, "I will never get another dog." Before we had kids we had a dog. His name was Buster and he was a suicidal nightmare (I'm not kidding; he was literally suicidal. On numerous occasions he tried unsuccessfully to kill himself). I vowed I would NEVER own a dog again.How many times have you said something like this: "I will never plant a church in that city!" "I will never let my kids do that!" "I will never marry a pastor!" "I will never act like that!" It's funny because once the NEVER statement leaves our mouths, it increases the likelihood that it will happen. It's like God has a radar on us and once he hears us say, "I will never...!" he smiles and says, "Oh really???? Let's see if I can do something about that." All I have to say about Kuma is, "Very funny, God!"
In Matthew 5:37 Jesus says, "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." When I read this I am convicted. Do you know how many people I have told over the years that I would never get a dog? Do you know how many times I have made bold statements, only to take them back?
I want to be a person of integrity. I want people to hear what I have to say and believe me. I want to be a woman of my word. Now, I realize that it's usually not a sin to change your mind. But as I read Jesus' words I wonder if my problem is a heart issue. I wonder how much pride and selfishness and other sin is poured into my words.
As church planting wives we are women of influence. Our words matter. People listen to what we have to say. As I've said before, we are a pathway to God for people. How they view us will have an impact on how they view God. Take a minute to reflect on your words; on your heart and attitudes. Ask God to show you where you are having trouble. Pray for God to change you. Make it your priority to be a woman of your word. And be careful what you say, "NEVER!" to...like Kuma, it might come back to bite you!
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2 comments:
I will NEVER live in Virginia Beach...now let's see if that works. :) Ha, ha. Loves from up north.
I recently learned that same concept, but I never linked it to that passage. That is Good stuff!!!!
When I met my husband he lived in Illlinois, so once we were married I moved over there, happily. I was so happy to leave Indiana. Once I was living in Illinois I said "I will never move back to Indiana again!" Sure enough 1 year later God very bodly called us back to Indiana. I was devistated, I loved where we were and what we were doing. So I quickly learned I can never say never. Thanks for your wisdom.
Lyndsey
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