One of the most important things parents can ever do for their children is set a good example. Some parents think that all they need to do is lecture their children, and their children will follow.
But Victoria Osteen, wife of Pastor Joel Osteen from Lakewood Church, says children follow from example. This is why she says it is very important for parents to be mindful of their words at home.
"Scripture tells us that there is life and death in the power of the tongue. Think about that for a moment. Maybe you've heard that verse before, but today, ask God for a deeper understanding of what that truly means," she writes on the blog she shares with her husband.
More often than not, Osteen says people say things without giving much thought to it. But if people consider the power behind their words, then they might choose them more carefully.
"Our words are like seeds, and they will produce fruit. Everything you have in your life today is a direct result of what you've been saying and believing up to this point. You may think those words don't matter, but those words are being planted and will bring a harvest in the future," she says.
"Some parents might casually say in front of their children, Oh, I can't wait for the kids to grow up and move out! I can't wait to be an empty nester." Osteen understands that parents say these things because they feel frustrated and tired at the moment, but those words "fall heavy on little ears."
She explains that those are words of rejection, and children can't help but think, "I don't want you here. You're a burden to me."
When people speak, it's either a curse or a blessing. If it's the former, Osteen hopes people would simply choose to say nothing at all.
