Our language is the primary tool for expression and communication. Language can play a big role in how we and others perceive the world and how words and phrases can influence us...unknowingly.
Language and words are our lens into behavior. Just take a look at how certain speech patterns peoples buying decisions or influence their social media use! Just look at the news and the differences in the major news channels like CNN and FOX. Just a glance you can see how a polarization of beliefs can occur. There is an underlying game of control that is being used to control a whole population, a power play using words to shape us into a brand new culture in America.
There is a rhetoric with rhetorical devices and modes influencing our reactions and actions. Always adding new words, changing meanings and demoting others to footnotes. Rhetoric, misinformation, disinformation and a flood of words related to the pandemic, campaigns and social media. They allow for domination of the press and conversations.
Certain words sometimes trigger a violent response and confusion to be brought in by a gourmet food salad, making us dizzy! The political turmoil and economic uncertainty has brought chaos and brought a slew of those taking advantage of these angry words. Some where afraid to vote, while others are selling survival kits and generators. Our words are the beating heart of our lives!
Lately words are under attack. The use of what was normal words are now no longer useful or mean what they once did. Even reporters cant keep up with all the lies and misinformation so they end up serving us a word salad of unintelligible nonsense. I am wondering if these groups are aware that they are not fooling anyone. Then I run into people who have bought into the nonsense...hook, line and sinker!
"Be careful with your words. Once they are said they can be only forgiven, not forgotten" Carl Sandburg
Words have the power to change! The words we use can redirect our relationships. Our public words and private words shape who we are and what we believe!
Faith comes from hearing...So how we hear, or what we choose to hear will stimulate faith. The remainder of Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes from hearing and hearing
THROUGH the Word
The word through means continuing in time toward completion. Once we hear then faith comes and continues to flow to the completion of the words spoken.
Words are powerful, they give expression to the abstract in ways that a single image cannot!
Words are powerful and we must use them correctly!
Words are free. It is how you use them that may cost!
Words are not only life giving, they can injure and leave lasting scars!
Proverbs 11:9 says that evil words will destroy ones friends and wise discernment rescues the Godly!
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
Bottom line...discernment is the ability to decide between truth and errors and right and wrong. Wise discernment is to have wisdom. Examine all things and hold fast to the good!
We have the responsibility to wield our words for life and healing!
Proverbs 12:18 says, there is one who speaks rashly like thrusts of a sword, but the tongue brings healing. And Ephesians 6:17, the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. Our words either stab and harm or like a surgeons knife they can skillfully heal and bring life, life more abundantly!
Luke 6:43-45 talks about a good tree producing good fruit, and a bad tree producing bad fruit...a tree is known by its fruit! Our words are our tree, a tree of life! A good man out of good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good, same with the evil man. For out of the abundance of our hearts our mouths speak! Our words are our fruit and they will know who we are by our fruit!
We must be good stewards of our words. Learn how to guard our mouth. Be skillful in considering each word and tone of these words as they come out!
If you find yourself in trouble, check your words and check your heart! Words reflect our attitudes. They shape others as well as ourselves.
If you claim to be a Jesus lover, but do not control your tongue, you are fooling yourself and your relationship with Jesus will become worthless. James 1:26
Our words reflect our relationship not only with one another but more so who we claim to believe in and have relationship with....JESUS!
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29
Our words can corrupt our atmosphere. Our careless use of unprincipled words can alter who we are and what we believe!
King Solomon asked for discernment so he could understand how to govern and God gave him a wise and discerning mind! Our words govern our lives and the lives around us. Discernment is the ability to judge will and our words judge whether we are aware of it or not. We judge daily with our words and we decide what we are going to do and be!
A decerning mind is about evaluating and separating what is true, useful and good, from what is not! Our words should have a firm foundation of a prosperous soul! 3 John 2 says:
I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers!
We often think of prosperity in terms of finance but this is not necessarily so. The word prosper literally means, to help on the road, to succeed in reaching. It is more than money! It means an on going state of success that touches every area of life! Our words are powerful.
Our words are treasure hunters as well as the treasure they seek. A treasure hunter is one who searches for hidden, buried or lost riches. Treasure is not only precious metals and gems but more so it is riches, valuable and gold. Also when you treasure something, you cherish, adore and esteem it. You have things that you will treasure always. In this sense our words are treasure hunters that are sent to search for the hidden, buried and lost that is valuable!!
Steward your words, but also treasure your words!
Remember every idle word we will have to give account for. This includes the words spoken and the words God has spoken to us, TREASURE IT! What have you done with all the words you have been given and words that you have given....
ARE THEY IDLE??
Our words have the "last word" power! This means we have the power to make a final decision. Our words can give closure. The last word carries a negative connotation and some people MUST have the last word because they feel they have something to prove. Having the last word may be their way of putting someone in their place. What I am saying here is our words have the power to make a definitive statement. Our words carry authority, influence and leadership.
God's word is the "LAST WORD". He is the ALPHA, the OMEGA, the BEGINNING and THE END!
GOD IS THE LAST WORD!
