Use Your Power!

The Creator used words to bring something out of nothing.  Scripture tells us Jesus Christ is the Word; He is the power and life of all that exists.  Humanity alone received the privilege—and responsibility—of using words.  Learning to steward the gift of words well is a worthy ambition.  For out of our mouths flow words that can do only one of two things:  nurture life or promote death.  In the midst of a frightened, hurting world, our mouths have powerful potential!

The 24-7 news media spews forth words that instill fear, rile emotions and divide peoples.  Building defenses, taking sides or pointing fingers will never produce God’s Kingdom.  We Christians are the ones who pray “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.”  We Christians must bring His Kingdom by our own actions—that imitate His actions.  The words we choose to take in and pour out are a perfect place to begin creating the Kingdom around us!

Words of encouragement are a battle tool we must learn to use with skill and persistence.  Chiming in with our opinion on the latest trauma blazing across the news will probably not encourage anyone.  We need to know the news; we need to know what is consuming the hearts and minds of those around us.  But we do not need to be consumed by it ourselves!  Instead, let us feast on the Word, so we can encourage others with His view.  Share with others truths that calm, such as “…no weapon formed against me will prosper.’ Or ‘…all the days of life are written in your books.’ God holds our lives in His hand.  Fear is a hallmark of the enemy’s kingdom; when we bring the peace and confidence of Christ’s Kingdom, the enemy retreats!

There is another amazing power of encouraging words: they help others overcome sin.  In ‘bringing His Kingdom,’ our natural tendency is to point out sins.  Being critical takes many forms:  constructive criticism, sarcasm, defensiveness.  The intention of criticism is often good.  The methodology, though, imitates the devil—not the Creator.  Criticism may make others harden their hearts further.  Sin does that (hardens hearts); we do not want to partner with sin!  Encouragement counters the hardness.

Hebrews 13:3 tells us, “Instead, continue to encourage one another every day, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” 

Look for the positive in the lives of others.  Encourage them to press toward God and leave the conviction to the Holy Spirit.  Only the Holy Spirit effectively pricks the hearts of others.  We can slash others with the Word, but He uses it well for it is His: the Word is the Sword of the Spirit.

God uses our lives, our convictions in His time—the perfect time—to bring others further into the light of God’s glory!  Submitting our words to His ways, His Spirit enables us to overcome evil with good!  Fill your ears–and your mouth with victory.  Here’s a great place to start: