January 31 – Habit #31  Give people something to talk about

Live such an honest and loyal and faithful life that people just can’t ignore it. People have to talk about it. For good or bad…people will talk.

Choose to do the things that are so rare in our culture, do them, not just talk about them. Talk is cheap and everyone talks. Be someone who will do it…

Be someone who has outstanding integrity. Our yes, should mean yes and we should deliver on our promises. Be people of our word. Do the right thing, the right way, every time. There are no short cuts to integrity.

Be someone who will keep confidences and not listen to or spread rumor. We shouldn’t talk about people behind their back and think we are innocent. We can’t bless God, then turn and gossip about the people He created. God sees and hears it all. It’s integrity before Him that matters.

Be someone who is fiercely loyal. This is rare. And not because we get something in return from people but simply because God asks us to be loyal. It builds unity and strength into the church. God blesses that.

Be someone who defines relationships by what we give, not by what we get. If we are looking for what we get from people, we set ourselves up for disappointment–people will disappoint. God defines our relationship with Him by what He gives to us through Jesus. Not in what He gets from us–we fall so far short every time.

Be someone who doesn’t seek their own honor but seeks to give honor and dignity. If we see a persons worth and value through God’s eyes, it’s easy to value them.

Be someone who willingly submits to leadership. It is God who sets leaders in place, it is for our own good, we should do it out of good conscience, and give respect and honor to our leaders, Romans 13:1-5. Jesus was amazed at the centurion who understood this principle and he said, Truly, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith, Matthew 8:10. When we submit we show great faith in God, who fulfills us and rewards us–not man.

Be someone who is authentic and consistent. So when people meet us, they are not wondering what mood they will find us in, no tip-toeing around our emotions, no walking on egg-shells around our ego.

Be someone who will not leave their post. No matter what rises against us, whether real or imagined, we don’t jump ship. Faithfulness like that is rare and that is what it takes to build the Kingdom.

Be someone who values Godly character that is born out of a love for God and for people because love ensures we do right in any and every situation, with all people.

Be someone who will forgive instantly, not holding on to hurts and offenses.

Be someone God can trust.

A life lived this way will get people talking. More importantly, we will wear Jesus well. That is what get’s the people who are watching us everyday ready for Jesus. It is Jesus Who gives us the reason to live this way…

This is part of 31 days of January

January 30 – Habit #30  My words will build

I alone decide what words come out of my mouth or what words I type for that matter.

I alone have the power to decide if my words will build up or tear down. Speak life or death. Create or kill. Bring grace or shame. Shed light or hide in darkness. Unite or divide. Take responsibility or cast blame. Spread love or hate. Heal or wound.

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences, Proverbs 18:21 (NLT and from the Message….) words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.