HomeBuilding

I found this article at "A Wise Woman Builds Her Home", and I thought it helpful to address another area of homemaking that often gets swept under the rug- building up our homes with what we say. She writes:

"Building up our home is done in many ways. We can cook, clean and organize until our heads our spinning but literally 'tear down' our homes with the way we communicate making all our other 'building efforts' in vain. We communicate three major ways:

1. Verbally
2. Body language (example: rolling eyes, folded arms)
3. Tone of voice

We can inspire our families to change the world or tear them down in a heartbeat if we are not carefully choosing our words--just as the verse says:

"The tongue holds the power of life and death."-Proverbs 18:21

Are we bringing life to our homes or death? Are we slashing our husband to pieces with our words and screaming at our little children (who are probably unsaved and need the Lord?)

WORDS

A careless word may kindle strife.
A cruel word may wreck a life.
A brutal world may smite and kill.
A gracious word may smooth the way.
A joyous word may light the day.
A timely word may lessen stress.
A loving word may heal and bless.

We are always building up our homes or tearing it down. Let's purposefully use our words to BUILD. A word that is timely can plant a seed that can be used powerfully to change the world one day---to change lives, to help save the lost.

BUILD up and respect husbands who will stand in the forefront of battle for the kingdom of God.

BUILD up children who will one day be an army for Him, who will lead the future for Him.

BUILD up extended family who need to see his love, grace and mercy.

BUILD up a neighborhood that will see Christs light in the dark, wicked world and find hope.

And ultimately...

BUILD up a world where the prisoners are set free, the shackles are loosened, and there is new life through Jesus Christ and his His healing, powerful Word."

I know that I have a tendency to focus on what needs to be done and lose sight of what needs to be said and, most importantly, how it should be said. Even more so, should I consider the things that are better left unsaid! One of Ara's memory verses that we have been working on is, "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit." Psalms 34:13. I find my greatest challenge is Proverbs 15:1 "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger".


As guards and keepers of our homes, may we also be guards of our lips and keepers of our tongues!