The Three M's...
Focusing on Your Mouth, Motive, and Moves as You Navigate Life's Choices As we step into a new year with fresh resolutions and goals, it is natural to pause and ask: How are you holding up? While some days make us wish we had stayed in bed, navigating life's challenges requires conscious change and a steady grounding in faith. This insightful reflection introduces "The Three M's"—Mouth, Motive, and Moves—as a personal mantra for making decisions. From ensuring your word is your bond and examining the true intent behind your actions to making positive progress that invites God's best into your life, this post encourages us to be mindful of how we walk out our daily purpose. As Philippians 4:8 reminds us, fixing our thoughts on what is true, honorable, and pure helps guide our steps because, as always, God is watching.
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The Three M's...
As we begin the new year (no matter what year!), amidst a flurry of resolutions and fresh starts, I have to ask... how are you holding up?
As for me, I've had to make changes, rearrange some things, and push forward. Some days are better than others, and some days I honestly wish I had just stayed in bed! You’ve been there, haven't you? Yes, we all have.
For me, I've always tried to live by the Word of God and what I like to call the "Three M's." Much like a major corporation with its guiding principles, my Three M's represent my personal mantra for any and all decisions I have to make. They are the core pillars that affect our choices, shape our goals, and direct our plans.
The Three M's include: Mouth, Motive, and Moves.
1. The Mouth: What We Say
Did you know that what you say reflects who you really are in substance and belief? Words have weight. They carry the power to build up or tear down, to heal or to hurt.
When you speak, how do those around you perceive you? Are you known as a person of encouragement, or a gossiper and a troublemaker—someone who struggles to keep their word? Does every statement you make leave people questioning your intentions and breeding distrust among those who know you best?
Or, conversely, do the people you encounter rest easy, knowing they’ve spoken with someone they can fully count on? Is your word truly your bond? When we let our speech be seasoned with grace and truth, our words become a reflection of Christ's love in action.
2. The Motive: Why We Do It
Your reasons—your Motive—indicate the real driving force behind your actions and decisions. No matter what excuses you might offer to others, or even try to tell yourself, you and God always know your true motives.
In the grand design God has planned for our lives, our motives matter deeply. They shape the spiritual harvest we reap. Whatever hidden or intrinsic motive you carry into a situation, remember that God sees the heart, and what we plant, we eventually harvest. Good or bad, integrity in our intentions always brings a faithful reward. When our motives are rooted in love, honesty, and service to others, we align ourselves with His divine purpose.
3. The Moves: The Path We Take
And finally, our progress and actions—our Moves—determine our ultimate outcome. Life is a series of steps, and the direction we choose matters.
When we construct and rely on a negative agenda, or let bitterness and cynicism guide our steps, don't the worst things always seem to fall our way? Negativity breeds negativity. But when we pivot and continue to make positive moves, suddenly a shift happens—the perfect day unfolds, or the best possible outcome eventually occurs.
When we wish only the best for others, and genuinely pray for positive outcomes in our families and communities, that same goodness comes back to multiply in our own lives. Amen.
A Closing Encouragement
I want to encourage you today to slow down and concentrate on your Three M's. Be cognizant of your Mouth, your Motives, and your Moves.
Not only are your friends and family depending on your light, but as always, God is watching, guiding, and walking right beside you in the thick of it all.
S.K. Caraway, Director
thesonyakarolfoundation.org
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.