The things we say matter…they really do.
With just a few sentences we can inspire a person to believe in themselves and trust in God like they never have before. Or in the same few sentences we can vanquish a person’s hope and make them wonder if they every truly made a difference in the world or mattered at all in the first place.
As Christians, the things we say are especially important. There’s a very real chance that in some situations you will be the only Jesus a person ever sees, and no matter what this person may believe or what they might have done in their past; you have a unique opportunity to help birth transformation in this person’s life.
And it all starts with the things you say.
“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose.”
–Proverbs 18:21 (MSG)
When you are approached by someone you disagree with on any matter, how do you respond?
Would you tell an atheist that because they don’t believe in God, that God doesn’t believe in them? Would you outcast someone because you aren’t crazy about their past?
Would you berate and belittle someone that wronged you long ago and continually refuse to offer forgiveness?
Would you try and stand in the way of someone serving God simply because they would rather follow Jesus than you?
Some of these questions may sound crazy, but I’ve actually heard them all at some point. I’ll be honest and admit that I’m guilty of committing a couple of them myself in the past. In fact, when I first started this article a couple of weeks ago, I had to eventually put it down and step away from it for a couple of weeks because I felt like I was being too negative towards others in the midst of writing it.
Here’s the thing, it’s no big secret that we live in a culture of negativity. Turn on the news…read a facebook feed…listen to your friends and family…you’re bound to pick up on some unhappiness…you’re bound to pick up on some lives overtaken by argument and disagreements. The negativity is there and unfortunately it’s starting to bleed into all that we say and do.
I especially am concerned with my fellow brother’s and sisters in Christ that are turning from the hope Christ offer’s in the lives of everyone, to a more self-serving agenda. And part of that agenda is sharing absolutely everything that is on our minds. While this is not always a bad thing, I will say this…sometimes we really do need to ask ourselves before we speak if our words are worth being heard.
There’s nothing wrong with using a filter before we speak. There’s nothing wrong with thinking about things before you contribute to a conversation.
Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying your opinion doesn’t matter…I’m just saying…does your view edify the other people in the room? Can you share your point of view without tearing someone down behind their back or even to their face? Can you share your view with the right attitude?
The reality is that since we’re a culture of individuals that are at times fiercely upfront and honest with our thoughts, than we can sometimes inadvertently (or maybe even intentionally) crush someone’s spirits in a major way. It’s one thing to be honest and transparent; it’s another though to use your thoughts and words like a hammer…I say that because if you go through life using your words like a hammer; then eventually everyone and everything you see, is going to look like a nail.
No matter the person or situation…we are called to be something more…we are called to act like Christ and serve others.
“If you’re called upon to talk, speak as though God put the words in your mouth; if you’re called upon to serve others, serve as though you had the strength of God behind you. In these ways, God may be glorified in all you do through Jesus the Anointed, to whom belongs glory and power, now and forever.”
–1 Peter 4:11 (VOICE)
Please hear me…I’m not saying you have to agree with everyone. But think about what you’re willing to sacrifice in the effort of being “right” or feeling like you’re “right”. If we allow ourselves to be corrupted by this specific effort, than we risk holding back the purpose God has for each and every one of us…and that’s to reach everyone with the truth of God in the world. It’s important that we remember that our words have the power to edify or destroy…will you choose to stand up and give everyone a chance to see Jesus by your actions? Or will you throw it all away in an effort to feel like you’re right once again.
It’s not about walking on eggshells with your dialogue…it’s about choosing the better conversation…it’s about using better words to get your thoughts across.
Who knows, a change of attitude just might change the world.
It starts with the things you say. Are they worth being heard?
