One drop isn’t much, unless it is a drop of food coloring. It permeates in seconds. One red drop can alter the complexion of crystal clear water; one teaspoon can turn it blood red. Our words are just like food coloring. Where they land they induce change. One word from your lips can make someone moody blue, red with embarrassment, or green with envy. Words color emotions and alter self-esteem.
Paul knew the power of words to change the emotional and spiritual hues of our lives. He writes:
Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. (Ephesians 4:22-25; 29 NLT)
John Wooden understood the power of words. When asked how he so successfully motivated his players, the great UCLA basketball coach responded: “I catch them doing something right and praise them for it.” Wooden knew that his words were like drops of food coloring in crystal clear water so he used their penetrating power for positive transformation.
Today your words will drop like food coloring . . . among coworkers, children, classmates, friends, and even our so-called enemies. God says, “let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
FOCAL POINT: Take the “Wooden Challenge.” Your mission: to catch people doing something right. Then drop a word or two that will brighten their world!
Copyright © 2010 Tommy Kiedis