Words! They are powerful!

Wednesday - 1/31 - Read Malachi 2:1-9

Today, I am drawn to the statement by Malachi in 2:8, that says because of the teaching of the Levites they had "caused many to stumble."

How can our words and our teaching cause others to stumble? Parents, what about yours? Grandparents? Friends? Classmates?

Has anyone's words ever caused you to stumble?

Apparently, part of the problem with the "teaching" of the Levites was a "partiality in matters of the law (2:9)."

Have you ever known anyone to USE scripture to manipulate people for their own purposes?

Have you ever done that? How? Can parents and grandparents do that?

Are we, in our relationships with others, trying to change the behavior or the hearts of those we influence?

If we change the behavior of an individual, will the heart follow?

If we change the heart of an individual, will the behavior follow?

In light of your answers, is it best to try to change the heart first, or the behavior?

Today, consider your words you use around those you influence. Remember what you said to your son or daughter this morning?

Were those words uttered by you to help develop their heart into an authentic follower of Christ, or were you just trying to make them behave so that your life would be easier?

What about those you communicated with at work or school?