Do we really understand the power of words? Probably not. I do like words and try hard not to misuse them. This is especially true when I’m teaching or writing. I know the power words have so I don’t want to use them lightly… nor do I want them to be used as a weapon against others. The devil, on the other hand, was defeated by words. Jesus said to him – it is written and the devil left… defeated. WE can also do the same thing – we can defeat the devil by correctly saying what the Word says. Of course that begins with us putting the Word in our heaarts so we can defeat the devil.
My thinking about words is based in a number of things – the light in a student’s eyes when they finally see the concept and can engage it, the confidence another person experiences when another person says – ahhh, I get it or the smile in another’s face when they feel encouraged by what you said. And – not the least of which is seen in the Word – we will give an accounting of every idle word we say (Matthew 12:36).
Our words to others are impactful… but our words to ourselves are also impactful. Do we really understand the power of words? Doubtful. If we did then we wouldn’t be saying such words as – I hate (fill in the blank), that killed me, that you scared me to death, or I can never do that, etc. Whether or not we initially believe what we say, those words are out there and can be used either for or against us. Balderdash! No. Part of the problem is that we don’t listen to our what we say. I suspect that if we did, we wouldn’t be so casual or cavalier about what we say.
Interestingly enough is that 2 of the 10 Commandments relate to our tongue and our words – taking the Lord’s name in vain and bearing false witness [Exodus 20: 7, 16]. When we speak we’re supposed to speak truth in love. Do you realize the support you give when you speak (genuine) encouragement? Perhaps it’s even more important when you give a word (based in scripture) of correction. Regardless… our words to others makes an enormous impact. Remember how you feel when you are encouraged or corrected. Our ‘how’ of doing both is important if we want the listener to understand.
Scripture tells us in Proverbs 6 about what God hates and one of them is a lying tongue. We should avoid this at all costs – the price really is too steep. Besides, in the final analysis, what is it we gain?
“This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can’t tame a tongue—it’s never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women h made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth!’ [James 3:9, MSG]
Just as we guard our hearts… and minds… we need to guard our words.
