The Power Of The Word

Some people are wired to crave power and influence in the world.  Heads of state like President Obama,  Vladimir Pooten and David Cameron must be the type of individual who seek great responsibility and control.  It’s not a bad trait, it is actually necessary in their role.  They have tremendous decisions to make that impact the lives of hundreds of millions of citizens. The average Joe however, is not as influential, but the power they do possess may make or break those around them.

Each of us has influence over our loved ones, friends, colleagues, and brethren.  It varies in degree with each person.  To much who is given, much is expected.  The more influential our roles are, the more we should consider our words.  John 8:7 explains this in regards to the judgment of others.  “But when they continued asking him he lifted up his head and said to them, let him who is without sin cast the first stone at her,” regarding the accused adulterous woman.  All of our words or comments are not necessarily as harsh judgment as this story in the Bible, but when is it ever acceptable to kick a person when they are already down?

In my younger days, I was known for having a “sharp tongue.”  I actually took pride in my ability to put people in their place.  This is not something to be proud of and there are many things I wish I could take back.  Unfortunately there are so many that I can’t remember them all.  We should never hide behind a title or assigned responsibility to tear others down.  There is a tactful way to discipline or assign accountability when needed.  As I have matured, not only in age, but in my spirituality, I understand the importance of immolating Jesus.  Words are powerful and can be extremely hurtful.  I don’t want to be a man known for harming others with words.  In the eyes of the Lord, this could be as negative as harming someone with a stone.

My organization recently parted ways with a colleague.  It was a mutual decision, but for self-justification purposes this person felt it necessary to outline everything the organization had done wrong in an email.  Not once did this person accept responsibility for their actions.  They seemed to have forgotten how much they lobbied our group for a position.  Failing to meet objectives is generally a result of wrongdoing by multiple parties, both company and employee.  As individuals, our narcissistic tendencies can prevent us from accepting personal accountability.  Words have the ability to leave people with a poor impression of you.  Now that so much communication happens via email and text, the tone or personality behind a comment is not shown and we must exercise careful judgment.

Matthew 15:18 says “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.”  If harsh words are spoken and left to linger, it’s hard to erase the damage or turn back the clock.  What we say, is truly how we feel and is immediately recognized by the person on the receiving end and by God. 

The power of speech should be used for good.  We have the ability to lift one another out of the depths of depression or despair with a simple kind word.  Proverbs 16:24 illustrates it best with, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”  I am one of those people who needs as much sweetness and health as I can possibly get.  I am glad I am making progress as an older man in giving them as well.

A sweet friend of mine has been encouraging me lately as she always does.  She advises that if you want to see blessings come your way, do something special for others.  Use some talent or ability you have to give a blessing to another person who might need it.  I love to send cards, letters, encouraging emails, etc.  I have set a goal in 2013 to send a card, letter, or email to someone I care about every single day for the entire year.  I am not doing this to qualify for extra blessings from God, but to further my own growth as a Christian and to remind myself that I should think of others first.

As Christians it is ultimately our responsibility to turn the other cheek when we have been verbally assaulted.  It is difficult at times, but it is necessary according to God’s Word.  It is not necessary for a Christian to lash out or seek revenge on those who harm or judge us.  God assures His children that it will be taken care of with heaping coals of fire.

May God bless all of us and may we learn in 2013 to better use our words for the power of good!  Love to you all.