[220 words]
Words have meanings, and words have power. The Old Testament writer tells us that, “the power of life and death are in the tongue.” Think about the power of that little statement, “I can’t.” It cripples and destroys opportunities. It robs us of growth and kills initiative. Once we convince ourselves that we cannot do something, then be assured we will not be able to do it. That little statement keeps us from knowing what we truly can and cannot do. What might be done is killed before it is even attempted.
I cannot teach a Bible Class, I cannot lead a prayer, cannot teach others what they must do to be saved, and the list goes on and on of the things that cannot be done. It would be wonderful to hear, “I will try.” Then after the effort has been extended I could better determine what I can or cannot do.
Some people have more faith in their doubts than they have in their Lord. Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ.” When I was young I didn’t believe I could deliver a lesson in front of a class. I had a teacher that convinced me that I could, and now I cannot hardly shut-up. Until you try, you just don’t know if you can.
Floyd C. Johnson
Huntington Park church of Christ
Shreveport, LA