Good morning. I recall a scene from a movie from about 20 years ago called 2nd Hand Lions. Two elderly gents (Robert Duvall and Michael Caine) were caring for a boy (Haley Joel Osment) and they were all out working in the garden. Now these gents were adventurers who had many great tales to tell, but farmers they were not. Every row of their garden had a seed pack on a stake to identify what was planted. There were packs identifying things like beets, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, peas, beans, and corn. But the plants had grown a foot or so and they all looked the same. It was all corn. The Michael Caine character said to Duvall, “Boy, that seed salesman sure saw us coming”. That was when an argument began.
It would take some seriously novice gardeners to plant seeds that all looked the same, expecting each to produce something different. But we do it all the time.
What I am suggesting is that when we repeatedly use unhealthy or unhelpful words and tones when we speak to the people around us, even those who are dear to us, why should we expect desirable results. If our children hear words and tones that are not chosen to be encouraging, why should we be surprised when they seem discouraged? If we speak to our spouse with words and in tones that reflect boredom and irritation, why should we expect them to treat us with words and attitudes that don’t reflect our temperament?
It is the same regarding our words, actions, and attitudes with the Lord. If our hearts are not genuinely overflowing with love for Him, if our words are constantly speaking of complaint and unmet desires, how can we expect our relationship with Him to flourish?
Galatians 6:7 tells us: Do not be deceived, God will not be mocked, what a person reaps is what they will sow.
That verse has broader implications than what I am discussing with you right now, but there is a truth that we cannot deny: we reap what we sow.
Please consider today that every word you speak is like a seed that is sown. Consider that the attitude of your heart can be nourishing, but it could also act to discourage.
If you want to establish trust, keep an attitude and use words reflect trust.
If you want that person to know that you love them, choose your words carefully so that you are planting seeds of love.
If it is your desire to have a friend, choose words and display attitudes and actions that promote friendship.
In all of our dealings, with God and with each other, plant well so that you may harvest joyfully.
Vern