The idea of words has been in the media in the past week or so. I have given it a lot of thought as well. The Bible is clear that our words have great power and consequences, yet we seem to use them so carelessly. I worry that our children are surrounded by words - on TV, the radio, the computer- that are too dramatic. Flowing through those ear buds is a river of vehement information, sentiment and emotion. It is as if we live in a world flooded with hyperbole. Everything is either the best or the worst; perfect or evil; to be loved or to be hated; to be taken terribly seriously or to be mocked.
In both Matthew and Luke, Jesus tells us that what we say reflects the condition of our heart. ("Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Matthew 12:36 and Luke 6:45). As parents we need to listen to our children's speech. What children say about themselves and their world can provide insight into their souls. Souls we are shepherding. Their words can be a clue as to the needs of each child, be it to buoy up a sagging soul or to correct a lack of humility, patience or generosity. We need to listen carefully and not just correct the words, but the condition of the heart the words reflect.
We, as parents, are not excepted from governing our words as well. Cognitive psychology tells us that what people hear profoundly impacts what they feel and their concept of themselves. I think children know intuitively that the words of their parents, teachers and friends reflect the feelings of the speaker's heart. Small words can have an enduring impact on our children. I cringe when I hear, as I do regularly, parents saying negative things about their children in the hearing of the child. I have heard in the last week parents referring to their young child as a monster, a bulldozer, and trouble. (As in, "Here comes trouble.") I hear parents referring to their children as lazy or stubborn and I see the reaction of the children. It is not good.
Our words should be chosen carefully. Ephesians tells us to use our words to minister grace to the hearer. The gospel of Matthew tells us we will give an account for every idle word. Choose what you say and what you and your children hear carefully; it has an eternal impact.
Peace in the new year,
Michelle
