Words are complex. A simple four letter noun conveys twelve meanings according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Twelve meanings are complex, so I’m going to use one meaning: to express an idea.

Ideas are powerful, but words are the creative force behind ideas. Words give them life. A word is a declaration, or something that is announced. Both Old and New Testaments are based on God declaring words with an action that followed.

In the Old Testament, Genesis 1 tells how God’s words made the world come into existence. He declared a separation between the heavens and earth. He separated light from darkness. He divided land from water. He produced plants and trees. He created the sun, the moon, and stars with a spoken word. The birds, fish, the animals and the mammals, and even humankind, came to life because God spoke the words. Those words were so powerful they still exist today.

In the New Testament, John 1: 1-2 tells us God was the word, and He came into existence as Jesus. God came to express Himself in human form because we had not understood Him. In the past, God had used prophets to reveal Himself to humankind, but beginning in the New Testament, Jesus became the expressed image of God.

As humans, visual images convince us of the truth. That’s why Jesus performed miracles. He was showing proof of God’s existence. He was showing humankind love, power, and creativity through His miracles. His creative miracles include making wine from water, and multiplying fish and bread for crowds. Other miracles were His power over the demonic realm shown by freeing people from demonic influence, and His love for people shown by healing them. Jesus spoke, and the action was a miracle.

So, how does that apply to us now? When we immerse ourselves in God’s culture, it means He is our example to follow. Jesus is our example of godliness. His words declared love, power, and creativity. How about our words? Do they speak of love, power over darkness, and creativity?

When we speak to our families, do our words convey love, or do they tear down? We all go through frustration with those close to us because we are focused on ourselves. When we focus on our families and what our words sound like to them, we might choose different words (or tone of voice). What kind of family are you building with your words?

It’s often easier to speak kindly to friends because we can choose the times we are with them and can focus our attention on them. Other social gatherings, like church, or small group is even easier because we specifically set aside time and attention for those activities. But family is with us constantly, through all our moods and attitudes. It’s a continual test of our heart attitude.

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Eph. 4:32. KJV.

What about power over darkness? Do our words speak fear about the evil forces at work in the world? Or do our words declare God’s victory over darkness? We are all apprehensive about things in this world. Thoughts of Satan’s influence are always present, but we can turn those thoughts of fear and anxiety into freedom from anxiety by remembering God’s victory over those things. We can speak the words of Jesus over the darkness and have God’s peace despite circumstances.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John. 16:33 KJV.

And how about creativity? None have been as creative as God when He formed the world and created life, but many others have expressed creativity. God gives us thoughts, and we give life to those thoughts. From boats, to cars, to airplanes and spaceships, transportation has followed a creative path. From letters, telegraph, telephones, computers to satellites, communication has followed a creative path. From healing balms to pharmaceuticals, medicine has followed a creative path. What about you? What creative idea has God given you that is waiting for its creator to speak life into it?

So I leave you with this thought. How powerful are your words? What world are they creating? Do you like what is in your world, or would you like it to change? Is it possible it could be as simple as changing your words? It might take breaking some habits, but like everything else, it starts with a commitment.

I love this song from a few years ago: Words by Hawk Nelson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anVweXDcxhA

Excerpt:

Words can build you up

Words can break you down

Start a fire in your heart

or Put it out