Pastor Lacy McAdams Assembly of God Levelland, Texas
The quote, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” has been repeated often. But as often as it has been repeated, it is not true. I have felt as much pain from words as any injury that I have had to endure. Words can carry far more power than most of us realize. The Biblical account of creation shows that God HIMSELF, used words to create everything we see and know, and even the things we have yet to discover. In God’s description of mankind, HE says that mankind is made in HIS image. Thus, it would not be a stretch to think that man’s words can hold and release a certain amount of power as well.
Proverbs 18:21 says that life and death are in the power of the tongue. And I have seen this in action. I have seen people come alive when they are encouraged or inspired by words of a coach or parent. The whole concept of cheerleading would suggest that words can make a difference. And I have seen the opposite. Harsh words can destroy a person wither they are young or old. I have seen hearts crushed and hopes destroyed by words that were spoken in anger or frustration.
Psalms 141:3 “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.”
How many words have we spoken, and then realized that in our haste we had unleashed a verbal barrage of hurtful things that wounded those around us. God keep us from doing damage to tender hearts that we are supposed to protect. How many curses have we spoken instead of speaking life and health. I know that there can be a lot of stress from work, pressure from family situations, and internal struggles that can build up on the inside of us. We have to realize that the best way to head off the production of hurtful words is to vent them to God directly. 1 Peter 5:7 says to cast ALL your cares upon HIM, for HE cares for you. GOD already knows the storm inside of us. Who better to calm our storm then the wave-walking, body-healing, Prince of Peace Jesus Christ?
How much better would it be to vent to Jesus, before we unload heated words and cause tears at home. Instead of demolishing those around us, what if we could come home and lift up those who have struggled through their own challenges during the day. And we could be the ones who elevate and pump life into our homes and families. And we would truly imitate our HEAVENLY FATHER to produce a home full of life and healthy hearts.
The key is to have God’s peace within us. We can’t do that if we don’t have a close intimate relationship with Christ Jesus. Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. So, how’s our heart? Garbage in, garbage out they say. Sounds a lot like Luke 6:45.
If we would fill our heart with God’s love, then we will have love & life to give others instead of stress and criticism, but it does not happen on accident. We have to determine to fill our tank with JESUS. HIS words will change our words. Fill our minds & hearts with Bible words and everyone around us will be better off. Not to mention we will be better off… sounds like a win-win to me. Choose today to make the choice for a better vocabulary. Choose heavenly words and watch how everything changes.