In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God (John 1:1).
Some years ago, Ford Motor Company ran a TV ad with a jingle that started out “Ford has a better idea.” It was up to consumers to decide if they believed it or not, and sales numbers bore out the success of the advertising campaign.
Fortunately for us, faith is not like a sales pitch. Our God does not consider us just statistics or, to borrow from current economic parlance, “buyer units.” Our Lord seeks us out individually with the loving concern of a Father, not a one-size-fits-all approach. If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish (Mt. 18: 12-14).
Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy when it comes to words. Though we want to do what is right, sometimes it’s difficult or we just can’t seem to find the motivation. Sometimes we say something and it comes across in a way we didn't intend. We’re not alone. St. Paul wrote of this same frustrating experience when he said: I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate (Rom. 7:15). The Enemy of our souls loves to whisper in our ears to tell us that we can’t do something, or that it’s pointless to try, or it’s someone else’s fault or any other host of subtleties to get us off course in our spiritual journey. He wants us to believe that he has a better idea.
Words carry tremendous power within them. Words can hurt or they can heal. They can empower, or they can deceive and mislead. In the power of God’s Word, amazing things can happen. When all is said and done, God has the final word – the Word made flesh – Jesus, who came to redeem us and restore that which was lost in the fall. Alleluia! We can stand on His promise that those who listen to His voice will not be led astray. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and return not thither but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it (Is. 55:10-11).
Prayer Request: That our words will reflect the beauty and love of Jesus, the Word made flesh.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for sending Your Son, the eternal Word, to be our savior and redeemer. Inhabit our words, so that all who hear us will know Your love and healing power. We make this prayer through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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2 comments:
Michele, thanks for this great reminder of how powerful words can be. I can testify to this power from my own life when many times I was hurt by words from misunderstanding or malicious intention. I must also confess that I have hurt others with words, too.
No wonder the bible teaches us that "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit thos who listen." (Ephesians 4:29)
Very good "word" Michele.
A word study in the Scriptures on the word "tongue" is also very revealing. Depending on the version you use, the word "tongue" occurs about 125 times. Sometimes it refers to the words that come out of our mouths, other times it refers to a people or language. I particularly like Psalm 119:172 which says, "My tongue shall speak of thy word." In this case the word, "word" refers to God's Word. But I am also reminded about what James says about the tongue. That it is "a little member" (v.3:5), "a fire, a world of iniquity" (v.3:6), "an unruly evil" (v.3:8) and can and should be "bridled" (v.1:26)
So yes, you are 100% right, words are important, particularly the right words.
Thank you for your good words.
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