The Power of the Spoken Word

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight,

 O Lord, my strength and my redeemer."  --Psalm 19:14

     When commencing a study on words, I believe it is important to note the power of the spoken word.  God formed the heavens by His Word, and they are kept in store--reserved unto fire--by the same Word.  Jesus said, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life."  The word of God is living, active, and powerful--sharper than any two edged sword.  The Word was in the beginning with God, and the Word was God.  The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

We are made in God's image.  Is there power in our words?  "There is that speaketh like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise is health."  Yes, there is!  What you say reflects your personality, and has a profound effect, for evil or for good, upon those listening to you.  "By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."  On the Day of Judgment, you will give account for every idle word you speak.

Are your words like God's Word, full of grace and truth?  Before I got saved, words were truly a headache to me.  If I ever found myself in trouble for actions, my words would only get me into more.  If I ever said anything disrespectful to my parents, or if I ever argued with, said something unkind to, or yelled at my siblings, what was the culprit?  My tongue!  I was uncomfortable, dissatisfied, and impatient.  My words simply reflected my attitude.  When I dedicated my life to Jesus, He changed my attitude...but my tongue?!!  James says, the tongue can no man tame, it is an unruly evil.  If no man can tame his tongue, how much better would an eleven-year-old girl fare?  The answer is that I was absolutely incapable of taming my tongue.  Who could help me then?  Once again, Jesus is the answer; with God, all things are possible.

Each one of us today has a tongue.  We have the power through Jesus Christ to encourage someone, tell someone about His great love, and invite them to join us in our walk on higher ground.  We also, unfortunately, have the capability of discouraging, maligning, and hurting our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Finally, we have the opportunity, which I fear many young people take, of wasting our time talking about subjects of little or no importance and concentrating on the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches which choke the Word and make in unfruitful.

1 Peter 4:17 tells us:

The end of all things is near.  Therefore be clear minded and self controlled so that you can pray.  Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.  Offer hospitality one to another without grumbling.  Each one should use whatever gifts he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in various forms.  If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.  If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.  To him be the glory and power for ever and ever.  Amen.

We have a high calling as ambassadors for Christ in this world.  We are representing our King and Father, Jesus Christ.  May we each be filled with His grace and power, so that we may truly open our mouths with wisdom and speak the words of God.