The temptation is so real.
Whenever I see a dandelion that has gone to seed I revert to my childhood years and am inclined to pick it up in my hand and blow every last seed from its stem. I realize how unneighbourly this might be, as not everyone has an affinity for these bright yellow ‘weeds’ so I resist that inner child. But, when I am out in the wooded areas and I come across this natural temptation (and when not another soul is around), I fully give in and let those seeds blow in the wind.
I have no idea where the seeds land. How far they might travel. If the seeds carried gets nourished to continue the life cycle. All I know (and, truly, all I care about) is the joy of releasing those fluffy seeds into the air.
As I came across a photo of a dandelion on my phone, I thought about how the experience of blowing the seeds off its stem was like the words we speak.
The Bible speaks of the power of words throughout its pages.
“Dishonest people use gossip to destroy their neighbors; good people are protected by their own good sense.” Proverbs 11:9
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but hard words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15: 1
“Kind words are like honey–sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Proverbs 16:24
“Wise speech is rarer and more valuable than gold and rubies.” Proverbs 20:15
“Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.” Proverbs 25:18
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29
“But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and it is those things that make a person unclean.” Matthew 15:18
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:6
Over and over the Word of God instructs us on how to use our words. Wisdom and foolishness are linked to how we choose to use our words. Our words, used in wisdom, are described as being like honey, precious gems, and constructing. Our words, used in foolishness, are described as weapons, corruptions, worldly, evil.
We all have moments when we slip, when the thoughts we have come pouring out on the poor soul in our presence, before we have had the wisdom to speak or write them. No one is sinless in this most human of behavioural inclinations.
Yet, we are all responsible for our words, for the damage they might do those around us, to our reputation as Christ-followers.
I pray that I might have more wisdom than folly as I speak today, as I spray my words in the wind like dandelion seeds.
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
keep watch over the door of my lips!”
Psalm 141:3
itsawonderfilledlife 