Brood of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.”–Matthew 12:34
What we speak and how we speak comes out of our hearts. We all can let things come out of our mouths and realize that there’s a problem. Sometimes when I hear my players say certain things, I’m reminded of what Jesus said in Matthew 12:34, “For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.” So you have to be a role model. You have to be an example. It takes action, and it takes attitude. Actions speak louder than words and attitude speaks louder than actions. You have to live by what you say. That speaks to a person’s integrity. Living it out is much more powerful than just saying it. Jesus lived it. We have His words, but we also have His actions. That’s so powerful.
1. Can you think of a time when you said something you later regretted? How did that impact your ability to
be a team leader or role model for others?
2. What are some examples of how things in your heart might influence the words you speak or your
actions?
3. In what ways does Jesus’ example inspire you to live out your faith? How do you think your active faith
might impact those around you?
Proverbs 20:11; Matthew 12:33-37; Romans 12:2; Titus 1:15-16; 2:7
Lord, guard my heart from anything that might negatively impact my attitude and my actions. Like Your Word states in Romans 12:2, transform my life by the renewing of my mind so that I can be an example of Your character to those around me. Amen.
About the Author:
Kay Yow is the late head women’s basketball coach at North Carolina State. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee won 737 career games and coached the 1988 Olympic gold-medal winning team. In 2008, FCA presented her with the inaugural Kay Yow Heart of a Coach Award.
