Mr. Potato Head

The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:18

As many of us are heading back into school/work-I want to talk about Mr. Potato Head!
A lovable curmudgeon with a sharp tongue, but a loyal heart. Mr. Potato Head is sarcastic, suspicious, hot-headed, and sometimes far too quick to speak—but underneath that rough exterior is someone who fiercely loves his wife, and ultimately remains loyal to his friends.

Mr. Potato Head has some of the funniest one-liners of the whole franchise. My personal favorite: “You uncultured swine!” You can ask anyone I work with, I quote that waaay too often. But just because you have a great quip, a great line to say, doesn't mean it always needs to be said out loud. Some of you may be rolling your eyes right now, but it's true. We have to be in control of what we say.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. James 3:9–10

James makes it abundantly clear-the same mouth we use to praise the Lord, can be the same mouth we use to tear down fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. The author of Proverbs says the same thing in the verse at the top of this page: our words have the power to wound others or heal them.

So that is my challenge to you today:
Are your words hurting others?
Or are they helping others? 

A gentle answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1

May your words today build others up!
-Zac