Think first

"Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them." Proverbs 29:20

Adidas, one of the premier sponsors of the Boston Marathon, sent out an email after this year's race congratulating all of the finishers and extending an invitation to shop at their online store. Sounds like a smart move by the company right? Well it would have been had they considered their words more carefully rather than hastily writing this in the subject line, "Congrats, you survived the Boston Marathon!" In light of the 2013 bombings, many runners were offended and voiced their disapproval prompting Adidas to say, "We are incredibly sorry. Clearly, there was no thought given to the insensitive email subject line we sent Tuesday. We deeply apologize for our mistake. The Boston Marathon is one of the most inspirational sporting events in the world. Every year we’re reminded of the hope and resiliency of the running community at this event."

By their quick apology, the company minimized the damage and learned something in the process. Think carefully about what you say before you say it. And you know the Bible also has something to say about "someone who speaks in haste" or before sufficiently considering their words too. That person is called a fool. And while the world would define a fool as a person who acts unwisely, the biblical definition has the added dimension of someone who disregards God’s Word. And if there is more hope for a fool than someone who speaks rashly, we would be extremely wise to thoroughly weigh our words and their consequences before we use them, don't you think? 

So before speaking, writing, texting, posting or tweeting anything may we remember to THINK first. Is what I'm about to say True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary and Kind? And most of all, is it in line with God's word? Doing this my friend will ensure that you and I never have to apologize for things we've said that were better left unsaid. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that our words have the power to either hurt or heal. Help us to consider them carefully then that you might be glorified in the way we treat and speak to others. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

May the words - Ellie Holcomb

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cl1HF5NchLg