It is said that sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can’t hurt me. It might be said, but it is not true. Words have the power to hurt deeply like no physical wound ever could.
Words have set the world on fire. Most wars started with propaganda fueled by words.
The power of words can be used for great good. It was words spoken by the mouth of God that brought the world into existence.
If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! James 3:3–5 (ESV)
This year American Pharoah became the first Triple Crown Winner in decades. These are amazing animals. You watch these powerful animals race around the track at speeds up to 45 mph, weighing in at more than 1000 lbs. In comparison, your average jockey weighs 110 lbs and 5ft 3in in height. There is a huge discrepancy between the size of the horse and the size of the jockey, but with the bit in the mouth of the horse, the diminutive jockey can control the horse with great proficiency. With the reigns, he makes the horse do what he wants.
It is no different with words. Words may seem insignificant compared to many other forces in life. But they have great power.
Words Set the Course of Your Life
When you were young, you had a story told about your future. Maybe the story told was that you would amount to nothing. Maybe you were told the opposite story that you would become someone great. The story might have been instilled in you by your parents, by a teacher, or by your friends. Eventually, you internalized that story and started telling that story to yourself.
Whether that story was true or not, you let that story play out because you were led to believe that story. It was a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you believe you will succeed, you will keep pushing through even when you fail. If you believe you will fail, at the first sign of adversity you give up.
Words Determine Your Outlook
When you wake up and say this is going to be a great day. Guess what? It will probably be a great day. When you wake up and say this is going to be a terrible day. Guess what? It will probably be a terrible day. When you speak in negative patterns, negative patterns tend to persist. When you speak in positive patterns, positive patterns tend to persist.
Words Affect Your Relationships
Words have great influence over our relationships with others. Our words will attract others to us and also repel others away. People will be drawn to you when you speak words of encouragement and hope. People will back away from you when you continually speak words of criticism and pessimism.
Jesus tells us to be the light of the world. How do we shine the light? Through the words we speak!
Words Give You the Power to Bless
Your words have tremendous power. They will set the course for your marriage, for your career, for your children’s future, and for your church. Who could you bless today with your words? It might be to send someone a message on Facebook about how much you appreciate them. It might be to tell your children how proud you are of them. It might be to step out of your comfort zone and call someone at church to pray with them as they are going through a difficult time.
At the same time, you may recognize there have been words you have spoken in the past which were inappropriate. You may need to go back to the person and ask for forgiveness. Take back the words that caused them pain and offer some new words of healing.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the story you were told that shapes your present? How could you tell yourself a better story?
- How have words affected your relationships with others?
- How could you bless someone with words today?
- Share your comments below.
Gary Kessler says
A popular Christian song- “I hear a voice and he calls me redeemed….” No better words to hear from our Savior. These words determine who we really are and set the course for a truly meaningful life. Hope that doesn’t sound too preachy.
Bri says
Hey Pastor Phil. I was unable to open the page for the second part of Does Faith Work? Could you please send it again, I’m really enjoying this study. Thank you
Fran says
Bri, I couldn’t open it either, but I went to the blog (link at bottom oaf page)& scrolled back to the second part of Faith Works. Hope this helps.
Phil Ressler says
http://philressler.com/faith-works-part-2/
Mary says
Thanks so much for this today – a perfectly timed reminder and reflection for me and my words of late. Thank you
Janet Baldwin says
I am really enjoying this study too. I just finished reading a good book. The words from the story made me laugh, cry and reflect on my life journey. Words are powerful. Tomorrow I will speak words of encouragement to my children and grandchildren. Thank for this reminder of how simple it can be to put our faith into action.