Wise and Helpful

Reading: 1 Samuel 3-5; Psalm 77; 2 Corinthians 8 As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said was wise and helpful. (1 Samuel 3:19 NLT) In a day when the Word of the Lord was rare, and the moral and spiritual climate was deteriorating, Samuel grew up learning to hear God’s voice. As Samuel matured, his words flowed out of his developing relationship with God, and he spoke with wisdom and compassion. We may not all be called to be prophets like Samuel, but we can all aspire to be people whose words are wise and helpful (Apart from the occasionally silly joke, of course!).

Paul admonished the Christ-followers in Ephesus to be mindful of their words and of the effect their words had on others. This is good advice for us as well… 29…Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:29-32 NLT) As I grow up and grow older, I want these three things to be identifying characteristics of my own life and influence:
• That the Lord is with me;
• That my words are wise;
• That what I say is helpful. How about it, friends? How about if each of us, in our little corner of the world, determines to infuse our environment with some wisdom, kindness, and helpfulness today! What can you do or say today that is wise, helpful, and kind? Prayer:

Father, Please allow me the privilege of serving out of the overflow of a rich relationship with you. I’ll do my best to listen for, and listen to, your voice, and to speak words that are wise and helpful (and kind). Amen.