Written by

Marion Duckworth

Prayer Team Member

Lord, there is no question that words shape our thinking. What others say influences my thinking about them and what I say shapes others’ thinking about me. Since I profess to follow Jesus, my words may also dictate their thinking about Him. 

It’s dangerous to build our moral standards on what is popular or what a celebrity expresses on his or her website simply because she has seven million followers. How many followers might Jesus Christ have if He walked the earth today? After all, unlike polished performers, He was only a carpenter. But this carpenter performed miracles and raised people from the dead. 

Was His promise that He came to give us abundant life true or braggadocio? Centuries of His followers—even thousands who were martyred—have testified that His promises are true. 

Since we live in bleak times, readers want to know how God has enriched our lives despite Covid and a plunging economy. Jesus’ words give the answer: “The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness” (John 10:10 tlb). 

That is our message.