There are may ways that people can change their lives around for the better, such as occupational pursuits, travelling, dieting, exercising, choosing better friends, attending church, and of course, attempting to really keep those annual New Year’s Resolutions. All these are good endeavors, but these earthly pursuits can only satisfy a person for so long. We are all much more spiritual than we give ourselves credit for, and materialism cannot even come close to touching the human spirit. However, one thing that is true that people can change and control in their lives is the words that they speak to others and in their own life. The Bible says that God created us in His image, and He had perfect intentions with creating a relationship between the Creator and mankind. Thus, our goal should be to emulate everything God does through our actions, thoughts, and words, because we are made in His image. If God created a destiny for Himself, individuals too can create a destiny for themselves. First, let’s take a look at the ways in which God speaks.
Consistently throughout the Bible, readers can see that God gives us choices – this way or that way, blessing or curse, Life or Death. The very beginning of Genesis Chapter 1 confirms just how powerful word choices are. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth,” and in verse three, “And God said, ‘Let there be light…'” Notice God speaks life into existence. Through His lips He creates a destination. This had never been done before until God! Hebrews 11:3 says, “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of the things that are visible,” (ESV) So, we know one way God uses words is to create things. Likewise, individuals can create things (both good and bad) by speaking certain words into existence.
Also seen throughout the Bible is Jesus’ interactions with followers. Not once does Jesus ever put anyone down, shame them, or speak evil towards people. Words synonymous with “death” are words such as cessation, isolation, cut off, separation, and so on. In John 6:63, Jesus says, ” It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” (ESV) Again, we read of Life being spoken into people’s hearts and mind, and this can only come from God (who is the Holy Spirit). If you’ve ever run into conflict with another person or been in a sticky situation, chances are that there may have been some negative or possibly slanderous words that were spoken either by or against you. As hard as it is to bite the tongue, people are still spiritual beings having to deal with a fleshly body. But, we know a second way that God uses His words are to impart or give life to people. Everyone would greatly benefit from doing the same and probably avoid future conflicts!
The words we speak are so powerful that it can be unfathomable at times to consider all the ways in which certain words can alter a person’s destiny. Jesus was beloved by many, many people during his time and changed a lot of destinies through his words. Luke 4:36 describes a crowd’s reaction to his words – “And they were all amazed and said to one another, ‘What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!'” Amazingly enough, Jesus speaks to his disciples later in John 14:12 that after he leaves the earth, Christians will do greater things than what he has done. Thirdly, God speaks words that release power and authority. Again, if God does this, and since man is made in His likeness, what does this tell us about the power that we have in speaking our words?
So many casual words are spoken daily and so many casual conversations take place where the wrong and right words are exchanged. The Bible shows us that words come from the heart, that words either build a person up or tear them down, and that we speak either life or death into existence. What God does instruct His people to do, however, is to build others up and speak with grace, and not allowing anything corrupt to pass out of one’s mouth because this grieves God. The following quote has been accredited to many famous people such as Emerson, Thatcher, and Lao Tzu, but however it came about, it’s wisdom is still relevant and applicable:
“Watch your thoughts, they become words;
watch your words, they become actions;
watch your actions, they become habits;
watch your habits, they become character;
watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
Words truly are powerful – what you speak today defines your tomorrow.
