The POWER of WORDS!

 

Do you remember the saying, "Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me?"

I am not sure how true that saying is. 

Words have power, and words can profoundly impact us. It is interesting to me that words often change their meaning. Look at this scripture from the King James Version:

"Will the Unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib? Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow?" (Job 39:9-10)

Before you get all excited about UNICORNS being in the Bible, the animal we know as a Unicorn is very different than the one described in the Bible. Our Unicorn is a horse-like, mythical creature with a single horn protruding from its forehead. Even as late as 1828, the dictionary defined the term unicorn(Latin - Unicornus) as a type of rhinocerus. When the Bible speaks of the unicorn it is referring to a rhinocerous or a creature very similar. Sometime after 1828, the definition of Unicorn changed to the mythical creature we know today. As a matter of fact, most modern translations describe this Unicorn from the KJV as a wild ox.

Other words have changed meanings, too. The word "awful," which we know today, describes some terrible event or negative occurrence. However, the root means "full of awe". It had nothing but positive connotations. In the distant past, the word "nice" was used to depict someone who was unsophisticated and/or unaware of proper customs or manners. I wonder if that's why we say NICE guys finish last. LOL!

As I was reading the opening chapter in the Gospel of John today, I was captured by the thought of Jesus being referred to as "The Word."

"In the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought life to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." (John 1:1-4)

Don't you think it is odd that WORD is spoken of in terms of being a person? We know that when John wrote this Gospel, the WORD is Jesus. When you go back and re-read that passage, it makes more sense. The significance of using WORD in conjunction with Jesus gives an idea of the POWER OF THE WORD. 

God spoke the world into existence with the words, "Let there be light." (Genesis 1:3) He speaks to us through the power of His Spirit. He speaks to us through nature and his creation. He speaks to us through his written word. When He speaks, it is not in some indistinguishable mumblings. He speaks to us in words we can clearly understand. That word is never changing, and in Hebrews, the Word is described as being more powerful than a two-edged sword.

Words are powerful. They are a part of who we are. What we say can have as much or more power than what we do. So, when Jesus is referred to as THE WORD, we are given the truth that HE is a part of God. He comes straight from God, and he represents God in every possible way.

As sinful humans, we can use the power of our words for evil. I am thankful we can also use the power of words for good and for God's glory. The words you speak today can impact a life by encouraging, building up, or directing someone to Jesus, OR they can tear down, discourage, or separate them further from God. Your words speak about WHO YOU ARE. They speak so much about your character and what kind of follower of Jesus you are. Who are you going to be today? Choose your words wisely today! Do they represent Jesus and the Savior you are committed to serve? 

"Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips." (Psalm 141:3)