Once we accept that guarantee the Lord expects you to work for Him.

No matter what vocation you have you are expected to be a full-time Christian in that vocation.  The message we send to others around us will determine the effectiveness of your full-time Christian experience.

Words are powerful tools; they can build up or tear down.  You and I can not carelessly say whatever we want and then expect a quick apology to heal all wounds.  Even words spoken in haste can deeply hurt someone.

Of course, not all messages we send are verbal.  Facial expressions and body language can communicate acceptance or rejection, like or dislike, love or hate.

We should also consider whether we are making the most of every opportunity to encourage those around us.  We can be tremendous instruments of God’s blessing to others if we will closely monitor what we communicate.

The apostle Paul instructed believers in Ephesians 4:29 in regard to words.

• “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment so it will give grace to those who hear.”

That does not just mean that we should avoid cursing, but gossiping as well.  What we say should bless others.

Many times we have been victims of the power of words.  Parents, teachers, other authority figures, and friends have encouraged or discouraged us through their words.

• The tongue has influenced nations; Hitler destroyed nations with his lies while Churchill energized England with his words.

How effective we are in living the Christian life also involves involving the examples of Christ-like living and how joyful and appreciative are we in what He has given us in life.

When students in school would ask me if I was rich I would reply,

• “Yes, I have a God who loves me, a Savior that died for me, and Holy Spirit that guides me, a family that loves me, and many church people who are my friends.

If I would react with a negative response, why would anyone want to belong to Christ?

We, of course in living the Christ-like life, need to obey the Christ-like principles as given in His Word, but we need to convey to others how much we really care.

Each person must have a sense of belonging, worthiness, and competency.  When you accept Christ as Lord these three emotions fulfill those basic needs.

1. Through our belonging to God, we feel acceptance.
2. Through the worthiness evident by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we feel loved.
3. Through the competence made possible by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit we feel secure.

Why not speak like, live like, and look like our God has satisfied those basic needs.  Then you can pass on the message to others.

Through a personal relationship with Jesus anyone can find freedom from the negative messages they have endured.

Look for opportunities to build people up by your words and your style of living.  I leave you with the thought of what we should do as we wait upon the Lord:

1. Continue to do what you believe to be the right thing, trusting in the Holy Spirit (John 16:13)
2. Listen for guidance God may be giving you through your pastor or other church leaders.  (Acts 17:11)
3. Pray and seek God’s guidance.  let Him help you think outside the box. (Isaiah 55:8)

Our next get together we shall deal with, “A Positive Side During Economic Troubles.”

Lou