Word Power

I’m sure you have heard these following phrases at some point in your life:

“If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at at!”

“Your words are powerful, be careful with what you say.”

“Stop acting like that, we aren’t in High School anymore!”

The list of common phrases can go on, but I’d rather not bore you with the rest lol ;P

We mostly hear these statements coming from the adults around us. These statements hold a lot of wisdom – in fact, I try to live by them (trying be the operative word). Of course I fail miserably, who doesn’t??

However, let me just say this (no disrespect intended) :

1) adults don’t seem to practice what they preach

2) young adults don’t seem to heed those instructions anymore

Just because we turn 21, doesn’t mean these statements are null and void. We still need to adhere to them – no matter the circumstance. That goes for adults too.

Being a parent, having a job, paying off a house payment, etc., doesn’t mean that the above statements don’t apply to you and yours.

Scripture is very clear in how we are to speak.

Scripture is very adamant in telling us how evil the tongue is.

Let me ask all of you this:

when you turn 21 – or become an “older & wiser” adult, do you stop adhering to the teaching of Scripture?

Of course you don’t! Forsaking the teaching of Scripture will cause you to living a life of sin. Your tongue will take over, and you will slay others with your words. You understand that the Word of God is the blueprint (or instruction manual) in living a life that’s pleasing to God.

How do you think it makes God feel when He sees His children not controlling their words?

Do you realize, the statements I mentioned at the beginning of this post are based off of Biblical principles?

Let’s take a look in the Word shall …

Statement 1 (If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at at!) :

“Don't say anything that would hurt another person. Instead, speak only what is good so that you can give help wherever it is needed. That way, what you say will help those who hear you.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Statement 2 (Your words are powerful, be careful with what you say) :

“Keep your tongue from saying evil things and your lips from speaking deceitful things.” (Psalm 34:13)

Statement 3 (Stop acting like that, we aren’t in High School anymore!)

“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, thought like a child, and reasoned like a child. When I became an adult, I no longer used childish ways.” (1 Corinthians 13:11)

How do we apply those verses to our life?

I’d like to tell you that it’s easy as 1,2,3 – but it’s not. Let me rephrase that statement, it’s not easy by ourselves.

We can master the art of these verses through prayer, combating the flesh with these verses, and resisting temptation.

So instead of:

- calling someone names (no matter what age you are)

- using vulgar language

- fighting over petty things in life

- speaking negative against yourself or against others

… and much more

- Saturate yourself with Scripture (memorize the verses listed and/or other verses)

- Pray against negativity, for a positive attitude, thank the Father for His help

- Don’t be arrogant and stubborn if it comes to you apologizing for your negative behavior

- Be willing for God to change your negative mindset to that of a positive mindset

And remember this:

The way you speak is the way you will become.

That’s why we call it “word power” or “the power of words.