Our words are important; what we say matters. More accurately and more than just audible sound, our spoken words are full of power -- the ability to do things. Our tongue may be a small part of our body but we need to be reminded regarding the power of the tongue. Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV) states matter-of-factly, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Research has shown that our body listens to our brain. Specifically, the speech centre of the brain exercises control and dominion over our entire body. This is consistent with what James 3:4-5 (NKJV) has stated through the centuries, “Look also at the ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!”
Indeed, there is much wisdom to adhere to the maxim of being quick to listen but slow to speak. As written in Proverbs 15:2 (NKJV), isn’t it true that “The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.”?
Today, we need to do an assessment of our spoken words. Do we tend to be negative, neutral or positive? Do we choose to bless or wallow in cursing? Do our words promote health or pierce like a sword?
How then are we to speak? The answer that springs out is 1 Peter 4:11 (NKJV), “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
We can also reflect on Colossians 4:6 (NKJV) which urges us to “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
When we speak wholesome words we are acting wisely for our sound words bring health to our body rather than wrought curses to our body. That’s the least we could do to steer clear from the venom of foolish words and avoid being a part of the “brood of vipers” who speak and act contrary to the Word of God.
But, there is more to our speaking than keeping a healthy body, soul and spirit. We can speak the Word of God so as to be more than conquerors in Christ (Romans 8:37) and to reign as kings and priests in this life (Romans 5:17; Revelations 5:10).
The Word of God has to speak louder to us than everything else so that we can change the seen with God’s Word and shape the unseen things by calling things that are not as though they were. (Romans 4:17)
In his book “Changing the Seen & Shaping the Unseen”, Pastor Charles Capps writes that: “God’s Word is the establishing force of the image of unseen things. We should not allow circumstances and the cares of life to create images within us. Take God’s Word and change things that are seen – the things that you don’t desire – into things that you desire.”
Consider the four lepers in 2 Kings 7 where the city of Samaria was besieged by the Syrian army and beset by a great famine. Now they were at the entrance at the gate and reasoned amongst themselves that if they continue to sit around, they will die. If they enter the city, they will also die as the famine is in the city. Their final decision was to approach the Syrian camp and surrender themselves with the hope of being kept alive, at best.
Early next morning, when they had come to the outskirts of the Syrian camp, they were surprised to find that the enemy had fled, leaving behind their camp intact. There they found much spoils including food and drinks, tents, horses, donkeys, silver, gold and clothing.
Unbeknown to them, God had caused the Syrian army to hear the noise of a great army approaching them at twilight. Many believed that as the lepers moved, God moved by magnifying the sound of their several footsteps.
What is crucial is that earlier on in the chapter, Elisha had spoken God’s Word that the famine would be over by tomorrow, and the lepers had step forth into the realm of God performing His Word. They encountered what the Greeks called a kairos moment -- the right or opportune moment; the supreme moment.
As the prophet, Jesus or the man or woman of God speaks the Word of God, we, too, can step into the realm of God performing His word. God says He is ready (watching) to perform His Word (Jeremiah 1:12) and His Word which goes forth shall not return to Him void “But it shall accomplish what I (God) please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11b; NKJV)
The words of Jesus are spirit and they are life (John6:63b). When Jesus says we are healed, we are healed, indeed! When Jesus says we live, we shall not die but live! Also, as He is, so are we. Thus, we, too, are the light of the world and salt of the earth. The Word of God works because God is watching over it so that His purpose will be accomplished.
The Word of God which was revealed by Jesus Christ and by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to Paul the apostle will also be proven to work. It will also work when men and women who are followers of Jesus Christ speak the Word of God.
Today is the day for us to go up one notch in our understanding and application of what Pastor John Osteen calls The ABCs of Faith, which is to: (A) Agree with the Word of God; (B) Believe the Word of God; and (C) Confess the Word of God with Your Mouth.
Our words are powerful. God’s Words are even more powerful. God’s Word in our mouths is as powerful as His Word in His mouth. We have everything to gain and be blessed by speaking God’s Word over our lives, our loved ones and our world, and let God bring about the results for His Glory.
