Not a Jot or a Tittle...

Currently I'm doing a Bible study on my speech. Not my diction or articulation, but the contents of my speech, being aware of what I say, how I say it, and when I say it. This past week we studied different aspects of our speech that pour out from what is found in our heart. We learned the importance of encouragement, faithfulness, discretion, tenderheartedness, and honesty. While studying the honesty lesson, I came across a verse that took me back to my childhood days.

"Lying lips are detestable to the Lord" - Proverbs 12:22. When I was a child, every Sunday morning while I was getting ready for church a cartoon short would be on television - Jot the Dot. Jot was a, well, dot, that taught biblical truths. He was produced by the Southern Baptist Radio and Television Commission. Jot would change colors based on his emotions and experiences. I loved Jot...he was so innocent and I identified with him so much. Maybe because he was cute and round, I don't know. But, one of the episodes Jot found himself in the middle of a lie. And, that verse kept haunting him to remind him what the Bible said. I still remember the big LYING LIPS chasing him around to remind him. In the end, Jot told the truth and asked for forgiveness. I just remember thinking, "Wow, God sure doesn't like lying, so I better not lie." Even years later, I remember that lesson and scripture.

I miss Jot. Oh, Veggie Tales are great and tell wonderful Bible stories in a new and appealing way. But, the world needs more Jot. Simple, short episodes of Bible teaching that are written on the hearts of little ones never to be forgotten.