It was a typical day on the playground; all the children were laughing and enjoying each other's company. One boy fabricated a story about being struck by lightning; his friend reported the story to his own mother. Concerned, as mothers generally are, the second boy's mother called the first boy's to learn of the extent of the alleged injuries. The boy who fabricated the story was about to learn that soap doesn't taste as well as it cleans.
Have you thought about your words lately? Are they true, helpful and encouraging? Are they supportive and motivating? Do you have a mother who has diligently taught you that your words matter? I'm thankful for a mother who taught me that my words really can make a difference in another's life.
The Bible has much to say about the importance of building one another up, my mother had it right all along; it's funny how I reflect more upon her wisdom now that she's gone to be with her Lord.
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Pastor Duane Deckert
Ephesians 4:29 teaches "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
It's no secret that phones are kept busy on Mother's Day. I'm wondering what you will say to your mother this year? Will your conversation go something like this? "Hi how are you? We are fine, but that spouse of mine..." followed by a long list of faults and failures.
Roles have dramatically reversed since my mother was a young wife. She respected her husband and always spoke well of him, especially in front of her children. I also remember hearing her make positive comments about dad to her mother.
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Reflections, a mini-sermon written by Minot and area clergy, will appear each Saturday in The Minot Daily News. Clergy interested in writing a mini-sermon should contact Religion Editor Loretta Johnson at 857-1952 or Debbie Sandvold at 857-1950. The toll-free number is 1-800-735-3229.
Today there is a growing concern at the number of broken homes; we're concerned for their happiness and well-being. Have we forgotten that our Lord instituted the family as a loving, caring unit? Have we let popular culture convince us that spouses are open game for criticism, insults and belittling? Purposefully or not, much of the media has devalued what the Bible identifies as significant.
There is one cartoon I read on a regular basis titled "The Lockhorns." I find it humorous yet disturbing because it appears to give license to husbands and wives to bash each other with the words they use. The Bible has a totally different view than what is popular today.
Some verses come to mind:
1 Timothy 3:11 11: "In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything."
Ephesians 5:25-28 25: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."
Col. 3:19 19: "Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them."
When you call your mother tomorrow, be sure to tell her you respect what she taught you, and while you're at it, say something positive about your spouse/significant other. You may be amazed at the difference you can make. Mother's Day is a great day to remember some of the most valuable lessons your mother taught you.