A “millstone” was a heavy grinding rock used to make flour. It had to be turned by an ox or donkey. History teaches us that the Gentiles sometimes practiced execution by tying a rope to a heavy stone like a millstone and tying the other end to a criminal and tossing him in the sea. This was a repulsive way to die, especially to the Jews.

So God’s people, especially these untrained, yet-to-be-discipled, new believers are especially precious to Him and He is protective of them. Zechariah 2:8 says of God’s people, “…for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye.”

Therefore, we must be extremely careful not to “quench the Spirit” in the lives of our brothers and sisters, especially less mature believers. How do we do that? Let me suggest a couple of ways.

First, we quench the Spirit’s work in others by what we say. We all have bad days. We all have a bad attitude from time to time. But oh we must be careful with our tongues. It is so easy to sin and draw others into sin by our words.

Notice today’s verse… If you don’t sin with your words, you are perfect! But truly, if you are going to sin in any area of your life it will be with what you say. Have you ever put out the fire of enthusiasm in someone else? Today, let’s try to find someone doing something well and then encourage them.