The Power of Words - a Video Devo With America's Got Talent Winner, Dustin Tavellaਨਮੂਨਾ

More Than What We Do

Today's video is a tough one. It's a deep revelation that we must walk in. Some might say this is overthinking.
But honestly? I think most of us aren’t thinking about it enough.

Here’s the truth:
Our hearts, minds, and mouths are connected.
What we value on the inside shows up in how we speak.

If appearance is high on your priority list, people will feel that when they talk to you.
If wealth, popularity, or success is where you place your value, others will walk away feeling like that’s what defines them too.

But if you truly know that God brings hope, that He restores, that He defines identity—
Then that’s what people will feel after a conversation with you.

We Reflect What We Believe

People begin to believe what we affirm in them.
So here’s the challenge:
Are we encouraging people based on what they do, or based on who they are?

It’s not wrong to compliment someone on a goal scored, a test aced, or a painting finished.
But it becomes a problem if we unintentionally communicate that their worth comes from what they can achieve.

And if we’re honest, many of us fall into this trap ourselves.
I know I do.
I often find myself placing my worth in what people think of me—based on how well I perform.
But that’s dangerous ground.
Because performance is temporary. Popularity fades. Accomplishments don’t last.

Where True Worth Comes From

You were bought, saved, and redeemed by the blood of Jesus.
Your worth comes from being a child of God, not from doing something better than someone else.

Let’s be people who remind others of who they are, not just what they can do.
Let’s celebrate identity rooted in Christ.
Let’s speak life in ways that bring lasting security—not temporary approval.

So yes—encourage.
Affirm.
Cheer people on.
But make sure that, in the middle of it all, they walk away knowing:

“I am loved for who I am, not just what I can do.”

Let's Do This:

As we align our minds with the mind of Christ, He shifts our value system.
We become more secure in who He says we are—and we help others do the same.

That’s what real encouragement looks like.
Let’s live it out.

Prayer You Can Pray:

God, help me see people the way You see them.
Show me how to speak life, not just praise performance.
Teach me how to reflect Your love in the way I talk to others—and remind me that my own value comes from You, not from what I can do.
Thank You for calling me Yours. Amen.

Bottom Line:

Affirm identity, not just ability. Let your words reflect God’s truth, not the world’s standards.