A few months ago, we published an article “Action Is Better Than Words.” Of course, that is true. In fact, I don’t think anyone would disagree. However, words are important, too!
You may remember diagramming sentences in grammar school. (Perhaps you’re thinking – “Ugh – don’t talk about that!”) Most people either loved or hated diagramming sentences. Nevertheless, whenever you assemble words, you express concepts and ideas. Equally, you assemble attitudes. Interestingly, you also assemble influence.
Words Are Important
It would be ridiculous to live without words. How could you ever connect with other people? No fellowship. Limited relationships. Even people who are unable to speak, work to adopt some form of effective communication. Afterall, connection is important.
Without words, our world would look so different.
- Additionally, it would be impossible to give clear directions.
- Further, you’d get no emails or mail. (Some might think that’s a plus.)
- Sadly, there’d be no great books to read – or even audiobooks to listen to.
- You couldn’t say things like – “Happy Birthday,” or “I love you.”
- The void of meaningful connection would be depressing.
Subsequently, the world would be a lot quieter. Although that could possibly inspire a more thoughtful approach to living for some folks, it would also be discouraging to most people. Frankly, it would surely intensify loneliness for many folks.
Hopefully, birds would still sing! Crickets continue to chirp. And the gentle sounds of the wind would soothe your soul. Essentially, the sounds of nature would continue to bring joy and comfort. However, the decrease in meaningful words would be devastating.
Additionally, there would be tremendous loss of interpersonal relationship, artful expressions, and educational advancement without words. Of course, lyric-less music would remain soothing. Smiles, even laughter, would express joy. Nevertheless, so much meaningful communication would be lost if people suddenly had no words to use.
Ultimately, it would next to impossible to express what’s going on inside you. Of course, that’s important to be healthy.
No Prayer
Regrettably, there would be no prayer – other than “inner groans” from your soul. Interestingly, Rom. 8:26 talks about this. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit, Himself, intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
At least there’s that! That’s the connection heart to heart with God. Still, the original design God created involves words. Seriously, without them, we wouldn’t have Scripture – the “Written Word.” Sorrowfully, we wouldn’t have Jesus – the “Living Word.” At least, not in the same sense we know Him. Basically, His teachings would have collapsed into simple mime or only daily rituals.
So, words are very important.
Words Impact You
Think about words that have impacted you the most. Sometimes you remember things spoken into your life for many decades. They are burned into your memory. Significantly, some words have been encouraging with positive impact in your life. Perhaps others have been negative and damaging.
Regardless, words have power. Additionally, how they are spoken into your life makes a huge impact.
The Secrets
What secrets are in words?
First, words have power.
What you say does matter, and how you say it wields power. This is one of the most valuable secrets of life. According to Scripture, the key is to not speak for selfish gain or personal agenda. Matter of fact, words that are –
- Skewed.
- Purposefully veiled.
- Obscure, opaque, and unclear.
- Self-serving.
- Untrue.
– all such expressions break trust. Sometimes, they break hearts. Surely, you’ve experienced the pain of words that broke your heart.
Contrastingly, you’ve also experienced the joy and encouragement of words spoken into your life that refresh and lift you up.
Words are as real as a sharp knife or a loving hug.
The apostle Paul figured out the power of words. So, he does not mince his words in his letters. He brings truth, encouragement, and accountability to his readers.
Second, words provide context and clarity to relationships and teachings.
Often, the best way to make something clear is to simply “say it.”
- Parents to children.
- Children to parents.
- Instruction to learning.
- Ambassador to crisis.
- Peacemaker to tragedy.
- Hope to downhearted.
To make this practical, consider –
- You have a Father who is perfect in goodness and loving-kindness. He continually speaks into your life with love and support.
- How are you “building back” with Him in your relationship? God wants to hear you. So, speak to Him. Tell Him you love Him back – plus, everything else that’s on your heart.
- God provides instructors to nurture your personal growth. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness . . .” (2 Tim. 3:16) You can internalize everything that comes from the mouth of God – through teachers, readings, sermons, and the words of a friend.
- Sometimes, you need a counselor or mentor to speak into critical circumstances of your life. In fact, there may be times you speak into someone else’s life.
With Words, Alone
The Bible says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” (Mt. 24:35; Mk 13:31; Lk 21:33) In fact, His words are more important than your daily bread. (Deut. 8:3b)
Jesus said in Matthew 4:4 that you don’t live on food alone, but on every word God speaks.
Creation
With words, alone, God created all things. That’s incredible! The Genesis account of creation records “God said” – and suddenly things were created. In other words, God spoke everything into existence.
Conclusively, words are important to God. He uses them carefully. Plus, He urges His children to be equally careful in uttering their words. God knows words have power, and He wields their power faultlessly.
Power
Further, the meaning of a “word” is significant to God. Words don’t just label or define. Interestingly, they pack power and provide influence. Frankly, they direct power into scenarios and into others’ lives.
Interestingly, God interfaces with you through words. Jesus, the “Living Word,” literally lives inside your soul through His Spirit. Scripture, the “Written Word,” is Jesus-on-paper. Quite literally, it is power ready to jump off the page for anyone who listens with fresh faith.
Promises, Teachings, Commands
God’s expressions take the form of promises, teachings, and commands. Remarkably, God guarantees everything He says 100%. Equally, that means –
- His warnings pack a punch.
- His promises swell with hope.
- All His ways are loving, faithful, and right.
Amos 8:11 says something quite sobering. “The days are coming . . . when I will send a famine through the land— not a famine of food . . . but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.”
Frankly, this Scripture gives an ultimatum. Regrettably, when you don’t take in and live by Scripture, you begin to live in spiritual famine. In fact, you languish in your heart.
Therefore, it’s essential to spend time in God’s Word every day. Plus, to talk with Jesus and listen to Him all through your day. Basically – dialogue. Relationship.
Just “Talk“
People who don’t value what God says live with self-sufficiency. They have, in essence, reduced their personal power to “just talk.” Actually, it’s an unhealthy way of inflating oneself.
“Just talk” is another way of using words, but it’s meaningless. How unfortunate for someone to use “just talk” to try to influence others. “Just talk” is empty. It merely fills time and space. Actually, it deserves a rebuke.
“Just talk” can be suave and overly confident. Sometimes, it has sarcastic tones. Arrogance engages “just talk” on one end of the spectrum – while insecurity and fear engages “just talk” on the other end. How much better to influence people with God’s eternal words.
Even though we could barely survive without speaking, strongest words are often unspoken but powerfully displayed through a faithful life.
“Unspoken words” provide a –
- 3-D picture.
- Living and breathing model.
- Virtual example to follow.
St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”
Application Thoughts And Questions
How are you using your word power?- Does your life point to Jesus Christ in how you speak?
- What kinds of things do you typically say to your Heavenly Father?
- Do people around you recognize God’s power in you by your words and your conduct?
- Are your words gracious, and do your actions represent Christ’s character?
- What about “just talk?” Do you engage in it?
- Do you believe God’s words will never pass away? Equally, do you live by His every teaching?
REMEMBER: “The Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power.” (1 Cor. 4:20)
Your best words are your conduct.
For Your Quiet Time
* Portions of this content come from my book – e-Pistles For An i-Generation Relevant In A Digital Age – a devotional book that takes you through 1 and 2 Corinthians. You’ll find practical action points that help you know God better and nurture personal growth. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.
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