Ballet summer session is this week, which means getting up earlier and spending more time in the car. My daughter is not a morning person, and she comes by it naturally. We started the car ride every morning with a prayer and the daily Bible reading. Sometimes we had to listen to a song taken directly from Scripture after the reading.

On Tuesday morning, the reading started with Ephesians chapter four. “As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1–3). I said “OUCH!” out loud.

The Bible doesn’t only tell us WHAT to do. It tells us exactly HOW to do it and the result of doing it! Walk worthy, with humility, gentleness, patience, love, and diligence. This preserves unity and peace. Again… OUCH.

As I meditated on walking worthy, I also attempted to take my thoughts captive and stop the unwholesome talk. Unwholesome doesn’t necessarily mean profane or even untrue. Our words can be negative, hurtful, contrary, rebellious, or obstinate. Another verse came to mind: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6).

The world’s idea of being “salty” may be sarcastic, rude, or overly critical. A Christian should be salty in a very different way. Our words should be gracious, drawing others toward Christ rather than pushing them away.

The best way to manage temptation is to be rooted in the Word of God. I can readily recall Scripture because I study and diligently make an effort to apply the Word. When His Word is written on our hearts and lighting our path, we are better equipped to walk worthy of our calling.

On Monday morning, I cleared the warning to see my miles until empty (another thing I had to do before ballet rehearsal). When I arrived at the tire place, instead of seeing a tire pressure of 27 in the offending tire, it said 12! Sure enough, there was something in the tire.

A bolt like this one is an important tool when securely fastened. When it comes loose, it becomes a source of danger. Our words are much like this little bolt. In James 3:9, we read, “With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.” The passage continues, saying, “This should not be.” Proverbs 18 tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Sadly, we’re often careless with our words, letting them fall where they may, causing harm.

Jesus warned the crowd, specifically the Pharisees, saying, “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). Our words make an impact on others. How often have you been discouraged by a negative comment, reassured by a kind word, or uplifted by a compliment? Words have power! (For further study, read Hebrews 10:24–25, Romans 15:2, and 1 Thessalonians 5:11.)

Don’t be a bolt in the road! Be the bolt that connects securely! Check yourself regularly. Are you encouraging? Are you considerate of others with your words? Do you strive to build others up? Or are you careless with your words, speaking before thinking?

I’m happy to report that the tire was easily and quickly patched, inflated, and back on the road. Little things make a big impact, whether it is a bolt in your tire or a thoughtless word. I cannot control the debris in the road, but I can control my words.