Words to Be Remembered By

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

It was a beautiful June day in Louisiana. Cindy had a busy day ahead. Nonetheless, she made time to make a special breakfast of homemade waffles for her son, Jason, and one of his friends. After enjoying breakfast and conversation about Jason’s plans for the day, Cindy went to shower and dress. Before Jason headed out the door, he went to his mom’s room to tell her he was leaving and say the words they always left with each other before separating. They both said “I love you” to one another.

It wasn’t long after Cindy had used her tongue to speak those words of love that she received the phone call that no parent ever wants to hear. Jason had been in a fatal wreck. A car in the oncoming lane was speeding, lost control, and hit Jason head on.

I have heard Cindy say many times, “Don’t leave those you love with words that you will regret you said later, for we never know what life holds for us.” Jason was known for his contagious smile, his hugs, and his words of “I love you” to others.

It was Tuesday night in Phoenix, Arizona, and David and Diana Johnson were looking forward to talking with their son, Jeremiah. Jeremiah was twenty-one and living on the mission field in Mozambique. After filling them in on the details of the week, Jeremiah told them in no uncertain terms how much he loved them and how thankful he was for them. They echoed the same sentiments back to their son.

Less than a week later, Jeremiah was killed in a tragic accident as he was riding from village to village on dangerous roads in Mozambique. David and Diana are so thankful for that last conversation!

In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul charged us to be examples in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity. Paul mentioned speech first. No matter how many good and kind acts we do, our speech is usually what others know us by and remember us by. Both Jason and Jeremiah will be remembered by those who cherished them the most by three little words: “I love you.”

Lord, what words will I be remembered for? What words do I leave with others? Are the words I leave examples or are they hindrances? Lord, enable me to set an example to others with my speech. In Jesus’ name, amen.