Realizing the Power of My Words
Hi my beautiful friends! It's Monday…the beginning of the week, and a chance for a fresh start. As someone who loves reading self-help books, I thrive off of having a clean slate! I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately, mainly from finding things in myself that I'm not too happy about, and I know doesn't please God either! Well, I'm not getting any younger, and there's a long list, so let's get crackin'!
In today's post, I want to focus on…“my words.”
I don't know about you, but I personally need a refresher and reality check on the power of the tongue! In James 3, many analogies are given to emphasize just how powerful it is! The same way a small bit can steer a MASSIVE horse, our tongue has the power to steer us. The same way a tiny rudder can move a HUGE ship, our words have the power to control us. Just like a tiny spark of fire can DESTROY a forest...our words have the power to destroy others...and even ourselves. The tongue is further described as “being set on fire by hell.” (Nasty, unkind speech certainly isn't operating off of God's vocabulary!) James goes further to state how man has been able to tame wild animals, (think elephants, lions, dolphins, snakes, etc.), but still can't tame the tongue! That's a scary, powerful truth.
If I'm honest, my speech hasn't been the best for a few...years. I've been married to my best friend for almost nine adventurous ones! We have two children together, an awesome relationship, and a strong love! I do notice, however, that over time I've become way too comfortable being “myself” around him. Before you applaud...it’s not the version of “me” that I would want to be with anyone! I'm talking about the“in-a-rut, negative-thinking me…the not always selfless-patient-or-kind me”...which by the way, are all opposite aspects of LOVE as stated in 1 Corinthians. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." We can say we “love" our husbands all we want, but if we're being impatient, unkind, and holding grudges, are we really “loving” them in those moments? The answer is “no.” This is the area of speech for me that requires the greatest transformation! Try speaking gently to your husband during a disagreement, and witness the power of your tongue! Notice the disagreement will often resolve a lot quicker too! “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1
Join me in my thought process for a second...Who have your words been poor towards? Your husband? Your boss at work? The barista at the Starbucks drive-thru? Your passive aggressive mother-in-law? It can be easy to carelessly speak to strangers because we may never see them again! It can be easy to speak unlovingly with those closest to us because they'll “love'“ us anyway. Do any of these instances justify our actions, and give us a free pass to speak sarcastically, nasty, spitefully, unkind, etc? NO. In fact, by creating this "safe place, or exception" to lash out, we are only preventing ourselves from growing into the women of self control and love that God wants us to be.
The evil words of our tongue defiles our whole body! James says that we praise God with the same tongue that we curse those made in His image! Yikes. We need to become aware of the power our words have towards others. We can be so passionate about “not littering" to prevent from hurting our beautiful world, but we daily litter trash of the mouth with words that hurt other people! You may not think your speech towards others affects you, but it does. How you speak to and treat others is a reflection of what's going on in your own heart! “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:34. This verse is how I knew my heart was getting ugly! I caught myself speaking unkindly without conviction. By societies standards I have “a heart of gold,” but I'm telling you, I don't. I have an imperfect love for others that is only made "perfect" when the Lord is working in me. Take notice, beauty in the eyes of society, and the eyes of God are two very different things. “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4.
I'd love for you to grow in awareness of your words with me as we learn together, and practice how to "take every thought captive” before we speak! “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
So, let's change our speech:
First, let's identify, and become aware of the times when we’re triggered to respond in a negative way. Is it while driving? When we’re hungry? Tired? Stressed? A rough day at work, or at home with the kids? Could it be stemming from selfishness, impatience, lack of self control, or pride?
Or perhaps there are things in our lives that are influencing our speech? Is it people? Social media? Insecurities? Habits? A lot to think about, right?
Moving forward, what do we do now? I'm going to start by meditating on Scripture in faith to change my heart, and ultimately my responses towards others. I plan to listen before I speak, and respond slowly. VERY SLOWLY. With God’s help, I know He can change my heart and words for the better! Please feel free to join me!
“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.” James 1:26
“Do all things without grumbling or complaining.” Philippians 2:14
“Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20.
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” Psalm 141:3
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:24
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Provers 31:26
Thanks for spending time with me today! I hope this has been somewhat helpful to you! If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below! Let's become aware, and keep ourselves accountable to every word that leaves our body today and everyday! Until next time, friends!
Cool, Calm, and Collectedly Yours,
