Words that matter are spoken, repeated, memorized, written down, stamped on signs, engraved on statues, monuments, and buildings, used as decoration—on tee shirts, bumper stickers, throw pillows, refrigerator magnets, hung in picture frames, and even stenciled on the walls of our homes.
Bible words matter most. When I was a child, I saw decorative items made from Bible verses. Today at places like the biggest gas station in Texas, Bucee’s, I see less scripture and more wine: Working nine to wine, I’m a wineaholic, This is my wine drinking shirt….
Moses has little to say about wine. But he has advice on how to use the words that really matter:
“Imprint these words of mine on your hearts and minds, bind them as a sign on your hands, and let them be a symbol on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that as long as the heavens are above the earth, your days and those of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give to your fathers” Deuteronomy 11:18-21.
What are the verbs?
What are we supposed to do with the WORDS THAT MATTER? PRINT them on your heart and mind, BIND them on your hands and foreheads. TEACH them. TALK ABOUT them. WRITE them on the doors and gates.
And these instructions come with a promise: Do these things—value the WORDS THAT MATTER—and your days will be many.
God, help us to LOVE YOUR WORDS. To think about them, study them, teach them, memorize them, talk about them, and more. May our lives be filled up with your words.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 