By Jesse LeMay

                Most of us likely had our mothers at some point tell us, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” This principle is so worth applying because words can be very impactful. They can hurt, cause anger, stir up jealousy and envy, create self-doubt, and many other negative things. However, on the other side of the coin, words can also help one heal, bring happiness, build trust, instill confidence and feelings of encouragement, and help others in more ways than perhaps we can even truly understand. Words are a fascinating and valuable thing when you think about it. Parents wait in anticipation for their child’s first words. Even God Himself has chosen to communicate to us through words; verbal, written, and through Jesus, who interestingly enough is referred to as the “Word.”

How many words do you think you speak on an average day? Some research suggests that men may speak up to 7,000 words daily, with women speaking up to a whopping 20,000 (languagelog.edu). Out of however many thousands of words you might speak, how many of those would you say are positive and uplifting to others? American author Robert Collier once said, “Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise and encouragement – and we will make the goal.”

                As Christians, we should be even more aware of the things which come out of our mouth. We represent Christ and wear His name. God expects us to be different from the world in how we speak to others, especially those in the church. Paul told the Ephesians to, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification…” (4:29). Why would we ever want to say anything that paints our Lord in a bad light to non-believers? Furthermore, why would we speak in such a way as to discourage a fellow brother or sister in Christ? What if something we said caused someone to fall away from the faith? Our aim should be to build one another up and encourage others to grow in their faith. In so doing, we might just help them reach their goal. May we all choose our words wisely and use them for good!

The Beauty of Rest

By Jesse LeMay

                People need rest from time to time. After a long day of work, or school, or traveling, the body and the mind needs a good rest. When we get sick, or are in chronic pain, one of the doctor’s prescriptions is typically rest. Even though some vacations can end up being exhausting, the idea is that they are to be a time of rest and relaxation. We have all heard the old principle “a body in motion stays in motion, and a body at rest tends to stay at rest,” but sometimes taking a break from the rigors of every day life is needed. Rest can be a beautiful thing.

                There is an eye-opening illustration given to us by the writer of Hebrews in chapters 3 and 4 concerning rest. He describes the Israelites’ exodus out of Egypt and their journey through the wilderness. Also included, is the description of entering the Promised Land with “rest.” After such hardship from their time in slavery, as well as their arduous journey after being set free, such a rest would have been a wonderful thing. However, while all were given the promise of this rest, not all received it. We read that some did not enter God’s rest because they were “disobedient,” in addition to their “unbelief” (3:18-19). How sad they must have felt!

                Such an example is given to encourage the Christian readers to remain faithful and obedient to God. He says that we have had “good news preached to us,” and that a “promise remains of entering His rest” (4:1-2). This rest for us is the eternal Promised Land. What a beautiful rest that will be! No more pain, sickness, or suffering. Just a never-ending rest in the presence of our Lord and Savior. However, we cannot forget that there are contingencies concerning our promised rest. That is why the writer says for us to “be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience” (4:11). We must not make the same mistake as the Israelites did! May we all continue to trust in God, remaining faithful no matter what happens, and obey His commands. In so doing we will enter into our beautiful and eternal rest.  

Victory Driven Labor

By Jesse LeMay

                People everywhere strive for victory in many different forms. Victory in war, in sporting events, in business, in arguments, and the list goes on and on. Countless hours are spent in preparation and training for the purpose of achieving such victory. In many instances, the outcome is determined by the smallest of factors. Bill Russell, who won eleven NBA championships in thirteen seasons, once said, “Concentration and mental toughness are the margins of victory.” Being mentally tough and spending the necessary time it takes to ensure success are vital if one hopes to come out on the winning side.

                While most work to bring about victory, there is an instance where work is to be done because of victory. Without a doubt, the greatest battle ever fought and won was the victory Christ achieved over death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). That victorious achievement which Christ accomplished by being crucified and resurrected is what gives us our hope and promise of overcoming death also. Thankfully for us, we don’t have to fight that battle, for it has already been won. Our Lord won the fight for all people everywhere. He led the way and laid the foundation for us to share in that outcome. All we have to do is “concentrate” on the task at hand.

                Even though we don’t have to labor and train in order to defeat death, Christ wants us to work and lead the way in service because death has already been defeated. Concluding his thoughts on Christ’s victory, the Apostle Paul said, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain” (15:58). Since Christ already won the battle, we are to labor, and serve, and lead the way for others in His work, for His kingdom. As Christians, we are already on the winning team. Any effort we put forth will not be for a losing cause. So, the next time you are wondering why you should serve and be a leader, just remember that our Leader, Jesus Christ, wants all the members of His team to contribute.