Careless Words (sigh)
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, Matthew 12:36
Many of speak careless words.
It was a brief conversation about the words we use to describe our children (or children we teach, see regularly, or who live next door).
“Careless words” were mentioned (Matthew 12:36).
“She’s such a sweetie pie, so kind to the other kids”.
“That little monster.”
“He’s a terror. We never know what he’s up to.”
Since then there have been several things that have indicated that what we speak over our children is a sort of “blessing” or “curse” for them. It is unintentional, but it still spoken over them.
In his book, “Biblical Curses: Divine and Demonic,” Robert Fugate gives two biblical examples of “Inadvertent Curses.” He points out that Jacob inadvertently cursed Rachel in Genesis 31:32 and she lost her life at a young age (Genesis 35:18; Proverbs 18:21). He also recounts the evil curse of Jephthah whose vow resulted in the death of his own daughter (Judges 11:30-40).
Another time this kind of thinking was brought up was in some teaching on victimization – how we live as victims or as victors based on what we tell ourselves about our situation or our past.
If we have a “victim” mentality we tell ourselves that there is nothing we can do to change our circumstances. It is a fatalistic viewpoint.
If we have a “victor” mentality, we are more likely to be able to improve our situation by understanding that, with the grace and strength of God, we can overcome any set of circumstances. Even if we cannot change another person or situation, we can change the way we view things.
Putting all of this together made it abundantly clear that our words are important, as are our attitudes, about what we experience. An active child is not necessarily a “bad” child, even if that child demands more of us than others. There is a huge difference between curiosity and defiance.
A defiant toddler needs discipline. A curious toddler in things he shouldn’t be in needs redirection. No labels need be applied in order to deal with either one.
Victim or Victor. Defiant or active. What we speak to and about children will help to shape who they are as adults. Instilling confidence in them as children should instill a victor mindset.
That’s a great start for a child.
As Matthew 12:36 suggests, on the Day of Judgment we will give account for every careless word. But, we may see the fruit of our words right here on earth.
Intentional Influence: A Woman’s Guide to Biblical Mentoring. Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/2AcpfaG