- Joined
- Apr 25, 2006
- Messages
- 18,404
Mean what you say
'... Let your 'Yes' be yes and your 'No,' no ...' James 5:12
Saying what you mean is just the beginning. Meaning what you say is the next step. Don't say one thing, then walk away and do the opposite.
When you say 'that's the last time', make sure it is! Start with the small things (like how much time you'll spend on the games console, or doing your homework before the last minute), and you may well find it filters into some of the bigger decisions and actions too.
If you're not planning on doing something, don't say you will. And stick to your guns too; if you tell your mate you're not going to let them copy your homework anymore, don't let them. Saying 'Oh OK, just this once', makes them think it's OK to keep coming back and before you know it they'll be walking all over you.
Have you ever heard a mum screaming at their kid, 'If you don't stop that right now you'll get a smack'? The kid doesn't stop, so the mum says, 'This is your last warning'. Still the kid doesn't stop - but still the mum doesn't smack. The 'final warnings' keep on coming. What does the kid do? Keeps on with whatever they were doing of course. Why? Because empty words have no meaning. If you want people to listen to what you say, respect you, and value your words - then make sure you place value on them too, and follow through on what you say.
written by Bob Gass
'... Let your 'Yes' be yes and your 'No,' no ...' James 5:12
Saying what you mean is just the beginning. Meaning what you say is the next step. Don't say one thing, then walk away and do the opposite.
When you say 'that's the last time', make sure it is! Start with the small things (like how much time you'll spend on the games console, or doing your homework before the last minute), and you may well find it filters into some of the bigger decisions and actions too.
If you're not planning on doing something, don't say you will. And stick to your guns too; if you tell your mate you're not going to let them copy your homework anymore, don't let them. Saying 'Oh OK, just this once', makes them think it's OK to keep coming back and before you know it they'll be walking all over you.
Have you ever heard a mum screaming at their kid, 'If you don't stop that right now you'll get a smack'? The kid doesn't stop, so the mum says, 'This is your last warning'. Still the kid doesn't stop - but still the mum doesn't smack. The 'final warnings' keep on coming. What does the kid do? Keeps on with whatever they were doing of course. Why? Because empty words have no meaning. If you want people to listen to what you say, respect you, and value your words - then make sure you place value on them too, and follow through on what you say.
written by Bob Gass
