Thursday; July 27

In a modern discussion of traitors among United States citizens two people are apt to come to the forefront:  Judas and Benedict Arnold.  Benedict Arnold was a military leader in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War who would eventually change sides and command some of the British Forces.  Among the theories presented for his actions, one of the most prolific seems to be his ego – he felt underappreciated by his contemporaries. 
No one will know for certain when and why he decided to change sides, but his discouragement seems to be present as early as 1776 when he wrote to another Continental general, “The drafts from the regiments at Ticonderoga are a miserable set; indeed the men on board the fleet, in general, are not equal to half their number of good men.” and “We have a wretched motley crew, in the fleet; the marines the refuse of every regiment, and the seamen, few of them, ever wet with salt water.”  These observations might be true, but in light of his future actions it almost seems like he is setting his warriors (and himself) up for discouragement at best and failure at worst.
As I thought about Arnold I wondered how many of us have unintentionally set our course by speaking evil of those we should be defending?  When we make disparaging comments about a co-worker, a family member or a fellow Christian we set in motion direct and indirect efforts that can be used erode their influence and their momentum.  Our words might actually give their adversaries insight into how they can be overcome, but if nothing else they set a negative tone that might destroy or discourage them.
What are we saying about the people closest to us?  Even if it is the truth, is it in their best interest as they go out each and every day to fight their battles and defend their good name?
Think about it!

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