We conceptually know that words have power, Yet we often fail to realize just how powerful they are. Words demoralize and inspire. Words destroy and they empower. We have an example from the first words in the Bible that words have power, for God spoke the world into existence. His Words created the world…

Genesis 1 (KJV 1900)

3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

6 And God said, …

9 And God said…

As God spoke, so the world became.

We do not realize how powerful our words and our thoughts are. When we speak to others or ourselves in words that are about what we “cannot do,” we often fulfill those words.

Proverbs 6:2 (KJV 1900)

2  Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth,

Thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

 Recently I read that telling a young child not to do something is a sure way that the child will do that very thing. Say to the child, “Don’t spill your milk,” and the child spills the milk. Why? A child is still learning, forming and making connections between word and action, and the child does not know how to “not do” something. The young mind can only do what it is focused on, which in this case is spilling milk.

We need to ensure that our words—both those spoken to others and within our own minds—are focused the positive aspects of what we can do, accomplish, and be. Getting hung up on negativity brings each of us down, which is just what Satan wants. Instead, we must be realistic in our language and acknowledge what mistakes have been made and move on to what we will to do.

Our faith is reflected in our words. Fear, uncertainty and anger as well as joy, gladness and love are captured by our words. I think in this world that we live in, it is easier to get caught in the negativity, the anger, the conflict of mankind and internalize it into how we see the world, how we feel, and how we live.

We spend our time living and guiding ourselves, our families, our teams, our businesses, but we don’t necessarily guide our word choices. By focusing on the negatives of behaviors: “don’t do this;” “you shouldn’t do that,” we tell everyone what not to do, but fail to guide them and equip them to do the positive and creative things that they should and can do.

Doubt is the devil’s helper. When we doubt we are giving in to the world; when we believe that with God all things are possible we can do anything that is within His Will … even moving mountains!

Mark 11:22–24 (NIV)

22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

John 15:7 (NIV)

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

What words will you speak today? To your employees, friends, family … to yourself? I pray that they are words that create, empower, embolden, and support. I pray they are words that that will transform your world and the world we live in to the better.

Hosea 14:2 (NKJV)

2 Take words with you,

And return to the Lord.

Say to Him,

“Take away all iniquity;

Receive us graciously,

For we will offer the sacrifices of our lips.

Hosea 6:5 (NKJV)

5 Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets,

I have slain them by the words of My mouth;

And your judgments are like light that goes forth.

 

 

Author:  Lea A. Strickland, MBA CMA CFM CBM GMC
Copyright ©2012 Lea A. Strickland
All Rights Reserved

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