Do you call your friends, associates, and brothers and sisters in Christ "honey" '

If you answered yes, did you know that using the word "honey" ? in this way suggests you are trying to win their favor through flattery, deception, and influence of position? Using "honey" ? in this way can stem from a spirit of pride, ego, and self-exaltation.

Let us look at how the word "honey" ? is used in the Bible. It is used to symbolically speak of abundance (Exodus 3:8, 13:5, 33:3), to describe our delight in God's word (Psalm 19:10, 119:103), and to speak of the rightness of God's word towards us (Ezekiel 3:3).

Song of Solomon 2:15 tells us it is the little foxes that spoil the vine. In order to please God in all of our ways, we must begin to look at the little things, little habits, and personal mannerisms in our lives as He looks at them. Once we begin to look at how God uses words, then we are challenged to line ourselves up with His truth concerning words not our own truth. Another consideration for the use of this word is, it may push others away from you not closer to you, which is probably not what you intended when you choose to use it.

One final note concerning "honey." ? When speaking to your spouse, calling him/her "honey" ? in lieu of sweetheart is gorgeous. At the same time, you want to watch the spirit of manipulation and cajoling. For example, if your husband is reluctant to go somewhere or do something, and you say, "Oh you should do this or that because you are REALLY great at it honey." ? You could be operating in manipulation by using flattery and tagging the word "honey" ? on to it to twist, coerce, or change someone's will. This is just a light, playful example to illustrate the point, but you should definitely check in with the Holy Spirit to reveal your motives.

To slowly decrease this little habit, ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of the TRUE meaning of this word and your motives prior to your conversations.

Loving you enough to challenge you,

Karen Pina, 2006