I've watched one sentence build up a person for years. I've also watched one sentence tear down a person for years — same tongue, same twelve words or less. The difference wasn't the size of the sentence. It was the intention behind it and the moment it was released. That should slow all of us down before we speak, especially when we're tired, hurt, or certain we're right.

Here's what I want you to carry into today. Before you speak, ask which one you're reaching for — life or death, building up or tearing down. You get to choose every single time you open your mouth, and so does everyone around you. Choose life today, and watch what starts to grow in the people you speak to.

Just a thought,

PSS

1 Corinthians 9:24–27 NLT

“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So, I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”

You cannot substitute intention for training. We have good intentions all the time. I want to pray more. I want to control my temper. I want my marriage to honor God. Those are good intentions, but good intentions don’t automatically produce a disciplined life. There are things that have to be trained into us, and preparation has a deadline. Eventually the temptation comes; eventually the pressure comes, and when that moment arrives, the question isn’t, “What did I intend to do?” The question is, “What have I trained myself to do?”

An undisciplined life is an undefended life. Scripture says a man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. If your appetite tells you what to do, your appetite is your master. If your anger tells you what to do, your anger is your master. If your feelings determine your obedience, your feelings are your master. But self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, not a stronger version of yourself. It’s Jesus is Lord, His Spirit lives in me, and every part of my life increasingly comes under His authority. Every time you tell your flesh no and Jesus yes, you’re training. So, pick one wall. Pick the one you’ve been avoiding. You already know what it is.

Just a thought,

PSS

One of the secrets to success is giving, not taking. Research done by Wharton Professor Adam Grant suggests that some of the most successful people, not just in business, are in fact classic “givers.” They are people who genuinely try to help those around them. The help does not just come in the form of finances, but also in taking an interest in sharing information and being willing to assist others in their endeavors.

We need to understand that a gracious attitude is needed to be successful. If all you do is take, then you are self-absorbed. On the other hand, if you give, share, or help others get ahead, I believe you will be happier and life will look brighter to you. We should make an effort to comprehend the principle of being generous. You should not expect people to give to you because they have something, but because they are sincerely concerned for you. So many people today are takers and think only of themselves, without any care for others. Givers are more successful than takers, which will you choose to be?

Just a Thought,

PSS