This isn't my typical Oh Hey Friday. This past week I accepted a challenge that was given during our youth sermon. It was called the 5 Tongue Challenge...you may be thinking this is an odd title but hang with me. The point behind this is that the words we say hold so much power. We can build up or break down. We can help or harm. The fact is, we have to control what comes out of our mouths. As Christians this is extremely important. We are living examples of what Christ can do with a life and it is our job to grow the Kingdom. How can we contribute to the growth of Heaven if we are continually harming our testimonies, shadowing the glory given to God, and turning others away from instead of towards Jesus?
Think about it...
"But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!"
Who knew we were all a bunch of forest fires just waiting to spark?! Here's the catch. A fire burns recklessly unless contained. Being married to a firefighter has well versed me in the characteristics of fire. While it's true that fire is often seen as destructive, there are times in which fire is necessary for growth. This is the mentality we need to have with spreading "the fire" through encouragement. Ok, now that you've wondered where I'm going with this, here is the challenge that followed the devotion on Wednesday. (I was granted permission to share this with you and it is my hope that you'll catch the flame.)
With this challenge there are 5 (here's the famous Friday five you've been waiting for) challenges that you attempt to complete in a week. The challenge was presented in a type of journal format so that we could all keep track of our specifics. I'll do my best to have the same layout for you. I hope you'll join us in this challenge...and it is my belief that if you do, you'll see blessings abound.
5 Tongue Challenge
1. Give someone at school an encouraging word this week.
Who: ____________________
When: ___________________
Describe: ______________________________________________________________
2. Give a family member an encouraging word this week.
Who: ____________________
When: ___________________
Describe: ______________________________________________________________
3. Give someone an encouraging word on some social media site this week.
Who: ____________________
When: ___________________
Describe: ______________________________________________________________
4. Leave gossip in the dust, or stand up for someone in a positive way this week.
Who: ____________________
When: ___________________
Describe: ______________________________________________________________
5. Most Important! Praise, worship, talk to (pray, read the Bible) God every day!
Describe one time: _______________________________________________________
Be a fire starter this week. Ready? Set...Go!
