Realization

Not a quote, but a sudden realization and self-caution, goal for improving how I use words. Was watching a video that was CS Lewis narrating how we should “never tell people what we do”, and he immediately went to Bible verses about how ‘life and death start w/ the tongue (our words)’, and I had the flash of wisdom about the mistake I continue to make, w/ my words, to my family, my peers, my employees, which is:
I constantly remind people to not make mistakes. To not do so badly. To avoid my wrath. To avoid the consequences of their poor performance. Etc.
What I just realized: This focuses their gaze downward…don’t fall in the hole.
The result of this: If all you ever do is avoid going lower…how do you strive to go HIGHER?!
There must always be a blend of punishment and reward, rebuke/admonishing w/ praise/encouragement.
I do far too much of the punish and not nearly enough of the encouragement.
Please God grant me the wisdom to remember this spark from Your Spirit today and to turn away from my bent and work to go higher myself, so that I may elevate others, instead of simply warning them not to fall. Amen.