Talk To Me: Week 1

What's the most powerful thing you've ever heard someone say? Maybe it was a parent, a friend, or someone in your life who encouraged you to do something you would've never thought of without their input. Maybe it is a speech you heard in school. Think about the thousands of people that were changed or moved by those words we are reminded of the reality that,

Words Have Power

We all know this. However, sometimes we forget the extent to which this is true. All of history and really, the world as we know it has been shaped by words. Words have the power to bring about change, to create culture, to shift atmosphere’s. Words can change minds, shift behavior, bring hope and healing.

These are words that literally transformed lives. They motivated people in the midst of wars and tragedies. All throughout history speakers, politicians, pastors, world leaders, and activists have recognized the power of their words and used them to change the trajectory of history. Whether for good or for bad these people knew that their words have the power to change the world. They all understood the power of the human tongue.

However, this fact is a double edged sword. This can be in a positive sense or a negative sense, it goes both ways.

Take a second to see what God’s Word has to say about this. James 3: 2-10 says,
We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

Your words have the power to move people. To change their hearts and minds and influence them for good or for bad.

We know the power a good speech has on people. We studied talented speakers and writers to understand and imitate the way they used language to get their message across. We know words have power. So, why are we so careless with the things we say? Why do we so often forget the influence our own words have on the people around us?

James talks about our words being like a small spark that can start a great fire. This can be a really good thing or a really bad thing.

If someone points out a talent you have, it feels amazing right? It motivates you to want to get even better. I will never forget the first time someone told me they believed in me and that God could use me to do big things. For the first time in a long time I felt like someone saw me and saw gifts and talents that I hadn’t even seen in myself. When I am struggling or feeling insecure I am reminded of those words and it encourages me to keep going. Think about the kindest thing someone has ever said to you. I bet those words probably stuck with you right? I bet they made you feel so loved, and confident and happy.

Proverbs 18:21 says,
"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."

Our words have the power to build someone’s confidence or destroy it, and you get to choose. To be the spark that starts a fire that destroys someone’s self esteem. You can be the spark that ignites a fire of motivation and confidence in someone’s heart. You can take someone who is incredibly insecure and make them feel secure and confident and encourage them to be the person God created them to be.

Let me show you two examples from scripture. When we talk about words, ours can have a huge impact on the lives of others.That pales in comparison to God’s words. When God speaks everything bows to His will. We say words that hurt others, yet His words restore. He is able to speak existence out of non existence.

Genesis 1:1-3 says, 
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light."

From nothing and into something. That's the same God that tells us to watch the words that are coming out of our mouths. He knows that words have power. With His words, He spoke creation into existence. But His words didn’t stop there. You guys have heard of the golden rule, right? Do to others what you'd have them do to you. We're challenged to live out those words daily now for Christ.

Leviticus 19:18 says,
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord."

Leviticus was written thousands and thousands of years ago. These words have shaped humanity for all that time. Many people have changed the ways that they have treated others because of them. And this was spoken by God, the same thing can’t happen with our words when we try to use them alone. Try and come up with the greatest speeches and words ever and divorce them from God, you'll always fall short of His best. Allow God to speak through you, that’s when lives can change forever. Here’s the point:

Surrender Your Words to God.

We need to let God have control of our words. To do that we have to start by repenting of all the times we have used our words to tear other people down. We have all said things that we regret. So we start with repentance.

1 Peter 4:11 says, 
"If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

Next you have to decide who’s words you want to speak. Do you want to speak your words or God’s words? When we speak God’s words we speak light into darkness. When we speak God’s words we speak truth. God’s words are always going to be more powerful than our own.

Let me be clear, this isn’t a one time thing. Just like every other aspect of our lives we have to daily surrender our words to God.

Jeremiah 23:28-29 says,
"Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord. “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?"

So, my challenge to you is to think about what you've been saying. Have your words been tearing down those around you? Have you been using the voice God has blessed you with to move people to be more like Christ or away from His best for their lives?

As you go on with your day, be challenged today to truly surrender your words to God, and use your words to build those around you up in Christ. Let's do our best to live out the golden rule daily, encourage those around us, and see lives be changed by the voice and ability God has given us.

You have a chance to change someone's life by the words you say to them, so make sure you're speaking as God has called you to and not in your own power.