Today's Quote

Today's Verse

Daily Wisdom

Welcome!

Established in September of 2001, we are a growing Christian family in the area south of Lake Travis. Come, be a part of the Lord's work!

..a thought from Dan Hardin

Just say "Yes," "No," or, "Thank you."

Guilt is a terrible thing. Guilt nags at us until we will do almost anything to drive it away. Just as guilt drags us down, success embarrasses us. It seems that nothing satisfies. Think of the time someone asked us to do something and we forgot to do it. Guilt reared its ugly head and, in an attempt to drive it away, we begin making excuses. On the other hand, if we have just cooked a meal and someone says something complimentary about it, we begin to explain that it really isn't all that good or that it really didn't take much skill or time.

When I was a child my artistic nature was already showing itself and I drew lots of pictures. I can vividly remember people coming up to me and complimenting me on a drawing and I would immediately crumple it up and throw it away. Why? Because I was embarrassed and did not know how to accept a compliment. When I messed up it was my natural inclination to try and make excuses and when I did well I dodged compliments.

I have learned, over the years, to accept praise. It was tough at first, but I finally realized that it does not take too much intelligence or effort to respond with a simple, "Thank you." As for making a mistake the best thing is to admit it. After making a dumb mistake the best thing to say when exposed is something like, "Yes, I forgot," or, "I'm incompetent and let it slip my mind."

In Matthew 5:37 Jesus says that we need not try and make our point with oaths or promises, but to say either "yes" or "no," and mean it. Swearing that we will do something, or sealing a promise with a "cross my heart," says that we are not dependable unless we punctuate our words with special oaths or gestures.

Jesus, wisely, tells us to be honest, think honest, and respond with simple truth statements. Once this becomes a habit we will be believed without question. Whether responding to a compliment, criticism, or request, if we develop the habit of responding truthfully our responses will soon be accepted at face value -- we will be believed.