Ever felt like you were held hostage in a meeting?
Meetings, meetings, and even more meetings! Over the years I have been to more than my share of meetings! Some were productive and even fun, but some were insulting.
I am always amazed when folks use foul language in a meeting, and I don’t appreciate it! However, the real loss was theirs.
Some of the folks I am talking about were folks seeking for my business, or seeking for me to refer business to them.
I have to wonder how often foul language affects business opportunities. I wish we could track a dollar amount on the effect.
Would we want to have our best clients work with someone that does not control their tongue if we felt that it would affect our sales? Maybe we would give them a job in the back of the business where they would not be asked to greet. Depending on the company, these folks may not get hired at all.
Think about it this way. If a salesperson or business owner doesn’t get a client because they offended the person with their language, they also miss out on anyone else that client might have sent their way. Theoretically, they may also have current clients that would send them more business if they didn’t have foul language. In the long run, that could add up. Depending on the situation, these folks could be very expensive to the company.
Biblical teaching is something that applies in all areas of our life. As Christians, we sometimes don’t stop to think about how obedience to God, even in small things, can change our circumstances.
Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
Matthew 5:33-37
Obedience in this small thing makes a difference not only eternally, but also in the here-and-now.
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
Proverbs 22:1
As Christians, we need to guard our reputation. When we are business owners, we also need to guard the reputation of our business. We need to watch our language, and we need to keep our word.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29
Our challenge today is 2 fold. First, we need to purge our foul language – if we are using any – in order that we may be an example in the workplace and beyond. Second, we need to be sure we keep our word. We need to do the things we promise we will do as unto the Lord.
This could be a good message to pass along to your teens as they are starting to take enter the workplace.