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Words are so powerful; you cannot fathom how everything depends on them. I saw a movie a long time ago in which an illiterate king was astonished at a young man’s ability to write – this was his first time of seeing someone write his words – which he described as being able to ‘draw the wind’. Yes, words are as powerful as the wind; they could be as gentle and comforting as a breeze or as violent and destructive as the hurricane.
God reveals Himself to mankind as a speaking God. God’s creative ability and expressions are packaged in words, and God is perfect in its usage. In actual fact the second person of the God-Head is actually known as ‘The Word’.
John 1:1
King James Version (KJV)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.
God is represented by His word and He cannot be separated or divorced from His word. At creation as described in Genesis chapter 1, all things were created through the vehicle of God’s word. As God pronounced and painted His intentions by His word, the Spirit of God went ahead moulding into reality the pictures in the mind of God.
Hebrews 11:3
3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
God created everything using words and we as God’s children also have an ongoing perpetual privilege of continuing the act of creation by using our words also.
God is not careless with His words. His integrity is staked on performing everything He says. He is Holy because His words are infallible.
Imagine the weight of responsibility on Jesus while He walked the face of the earth. He is the Word now become flesh. Every word he utters and every action he carries out will be recorded, quoted and remembered. He is responsible for every word he speaks and his integrity will be judged based on these words. Despite this weight, He did not fail; neither did He make any mistake. John 14:30. He never had to apologise, recant or regret anything He said. He walked perfectly and so we can rely on His words. From age to age he remains the Lord.
Words are powerful. They are creative and constructive yet could also be damning and destructive. Nations have been built and revolutionized by the power of words. Kingdoms have also been destroyed by words.
James 3
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
The Word is in your Mouth
Just as God created the earth and filled it up by the power of His words, we can also create a world around ourselves by the words we say.
Words can make or break.
Words can make alive and words can kill.
Words can uplift and words can bring distress.
Words can bring peace and words have caused wars.
You can destroy people with your words, just as you can give them life with words.
The choice is yours how you want to use yours.
‘Laolu Oyeyemi