If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

As Peter talks about the importance of living for Christ it is a fact that others watch us in our successes and failures. There is no closer observer than our children and our own family. We must put aside quickly the thought that we will be perfect examples, for we all fall short. But no son or daughter expects perfection.    

I read recently that G.K. Chesterton once remarked that the doctrine of original sin “is the only part of Christian theology which can really be proved.” I guess sin is so obvious that we cannot deny its presence.

We are not always faithful in our walk, nor praying as we should, nor loving, nor serving. But are we growing? Do we keep getting up by the power of the Lord? Do we give in to the desires and weaknesses of our flesh?

If James tells us that the tongue is impossible to control, we learn that it must be yielded to the Lord and guided by the Holy Spirit. Who of us wishes we could take back things that were said in haste?In the context I am sure that Peter is also talking about the things we preach and teach. While passing on the principles of the Christian faith and instructing others in the Word of God, we want to be Biblical and controlled by the Holy Spirit.

Whether one speaks from the pulpit or teaches children in Sunday School, what we say has tremendous impact on others in ways we may never know. I remember things my Sunday School teachers said 50 years ago and more. But I also remember my mother and father discussing the Bible at home and reading devotions and telling me about God. I remember them reading to me Bible stories and praying with me.

I knew when they didn’t practice always what they taught, but I also heard, “I’m sorry. Forgive me. And I am working on getting better.” I knew that though they were not perfect they still keep looking to the perfect example in Jesus Christ and wanted to be more like Him. I knew they were blind to some of their faults, but never held that against them because they believed what they taught even if they fell short of the goal.

Application:   Be an example in your faith, in your prayers, in your love, in your service, and in your speech. Do this, not so people will think well of you and give you the glory, but to point them to the God of glory.

Prayer:   May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.