Faith Venture

Comedian Graucho Marx presided over a game show at the dawn of commercial TV. “You Be Your Life” is the prototype of many game shows even today and in many different countries. One little ploy was, “Say the secret word and win $100.” If the contestant happened to say the secret word, a goofy stuffed duck would drop into the scene with the word taped to its bill.

I started thinking about words today listening to Andy Stanley’s Your Move podcast where he focused on the chapter of James talking about how the tongue can get you into trouble.

I had the opportunity to teach hundreds of young people about being a soccer referee over a 25+ year career. I wondered, when did I say a secret word that helped someone grow or when did I say a secret word that hurt someone?

My wife had an experience where she was talking with a former student from more than 20 years ago. It was amazing what that student remembered from her class.

Once again I felt convicted of anything I may have said that would have hurt someone and sent them the wrong way. Or, as I often tell teachers, you may not know for 20 years or you may never know how you’ve positively affected someone’s life.

Remember this wise advice from the Apostle James, a brother of Jesus–be quick to listen and slow to speak. And be careful what you say.

This entry was posted on August 9, 2021 at 10:34 am and is filed under communication, Listening. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.