Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say

Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say

Bible Blast: Read Matthew 5:34-37

Just say a simple, “Yes, I will,” or “No, I won’t.” Anything beyond this is from the evil one. Matthew 5:37

The animated movie Alice in Wonderland is such a wild adventure! Since the book was written in 1862, it’s been extremely popular with all age groups. That’s pretty funny considering it was never intended to be a book.

The author, Lewis Carroll (whose real name was Charles Dodgson) made up the story to entertain three bored sisters, one of whom was named Alice. The girls loved the nonsense story so much, they begged him to write it down. Lewis did just that and even illustrated it and gave it to Alice for Christmas. Others pressured him to have it published. When it was printed, it was instantly successful.

One of the most popular characters in the story is the White Rabbit. He’s known for saying, “I’m late! I’m late! For a very important date!” while he frantically checks the time on his big pocket watch.

Luckily, the White Rabbit’s bad habit of being late led to Alice’s thrilling adventures. In real life, though, being late isn’t a very respectful thing to do. Although there are times when things happen and we have no choice but to be late, in general it is courteous for you to be on time.

Today’s focus verse reminds us that we need to keep our promises. If we say we’re going to do something, we need to follow through and do it. If you tell your mom and dad you’ll be ready by 9:30 to head out the door to church, you need to do everything you can to keep that promise and be ready. This is called “keeping your word.”

When you keep you word, others know they can depend on you. If friends and family don’t have to sit and wait for ten minutes while you finish getting ready to go somewhere with them, you’re showing them that you think their time is valuable. That’s a really practical way to show respect and love.

So change your song from “I’m late! I’m late!” to “I’m right on time! I’m totally right on time!”

Girl Gab: How does your family do in the area of being on time? Brainstorm some practical things you can do to be prompt. Some examples are laying out clothes the night before, not hitting the snooze button, and doing what’s most important first.