The Power of Words

All the powers of darkness, tremble at what they just heard. ‘Cause the powers of darkness can’t drown out a single word. When all God’s children sing out Glory, glory, hallelujah – He  reigns.

If you are Newsboys fan, you probably recognize those lyrics from their hit, “He Reigns.” I love the picture those words paint. Can you imagine the powers of darkness trembling at the words coming out of our mouths? . . . the mouths of God’s children?

I envision our godly words having the same effect on the forces of evil as water did on the wicked Witch of the East in L. Franks Baum’s epic, The Wizard of Oz. Remember how that awful green creature melted when Dorothy, the heroine, threw a bucket of water on her?

The lyrics of that song make me ponder the words coming out of my mouth; not just daily, but moment-by-moment. Do my words cause the unseen forces on the wrong side of God’s kingdom to tremble?

James, a leader in the first-century church and writer in the New Testament says much about the tongue. He compares it to a relatively small rudder that steers a large ship:

Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of veil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. (James 3:5-6 NIV)

Pardon the pun, but James says a mouthful about the mouth!

So, what is coming out of our mouths? Do our words cause the powers of darkness to tremble, or do those forces do the “happy dance” when our mouths start motoring!

Foul Language

Foul language is very unbecoming, especially when spewing from a child of God. I once worked with a teenage boy who occasionally let cuss words slip. I joked with him about it, but let him know that foul language was unprofessional in the workplace and around girls (which, even though I was old enough to be his mother, included me).

Bless his heart, from that time forward he self-corrected himself with a sheepish grin every time he slipped. I have since quit my job, but recently ran into this young man. During the course of our conversation, he accidentally slipped with a bad word. Even after all the months that had passed, he did a quick self-correction accompanied by that cute little grin of “oops.” I’ll bet God smiled at that same moment when that young child of His tried to display godly language.

Gossip

Another misuse of the tongue is gossip.

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts. (Proverbs 18:8)

Gossip can be delicious, but oh, so hurtful and damaging. I don’t think much commentary is necessary here because we’ve all known, or may have been, gossips at one point.

But, it is worth noting that gossip is very sneaky, and it is just as juicy when it comes in the form of a prayer request: “Please pray for my neighbor, whose name escapes me; her husband is having an affair with the wife of the pastor of that growing church across town.”

Maybe, spreading gossip while disguising one’s self as a concerned prayer warrior softens the ugly truth of a wagging tongue. But, it does not change what it is . . . gossip! Christians who tell tales do not shine for God. Gossip is the lively music that allows the forces of darkness to tango with all who choose to navigate the dance floor of degradation.

Not only must we avoid spreading gossip, but we must also refrain from listening to its haunting melodies.

Complaining

The powers of darkness absolutely LOVE hearing us complain; that means we are focusing more on ourselves than God. Philippians 2:14 encourages Christians to “do everything without complaining.” For most of us that is much easier said than done.

Have you ever heard the story of when Moses led the people out of Egypt? It is in the Old Testament book of Exodus and, despite having God’s presence leading them in the form of a pillar of fire and a cloud, the Israelites complained about everything. Have you ever stopped to think how all that murmuring sounded to God after all He’d done for them? He had just orchestrated miracle upon miracle to help them escape, but they refused to listen to the beautiful music of redemption. Instead, they chose to bask in a cacophony of complaints.

Complaining, like foul language and gossip, is not becoming for a child of God. Not only that, but it insults God. The powers of darkness love that most of all!

So, how can we neutralize the negative effects of our tongue? Simple: avoid foul language, gossip, and complaining. But, it doesn’t stop there. Use your tongue to praise God, share the Gospel message, and compliment others….including God.

Practical Christianity remembers the power of words flowing from our tongues. It is hard to be perfect in this area, but like the young teen I used to work with, God appreciates it when we self-correct. Sooner or later, our words will start reflecting the wisdom of Proverbs 21:11:

A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

May our words always make the powers of darkness tremble and proclaim that God reigns!

(c)2010 Shona Neff

Comments

[Account Deleted]

Oh my word! ;)
I like that song. The lyrics are powerful. Thinking about the forces of evil trembling when I speak those things that are edifying to God and others.

God don't like ugly and foulness of the mouth in any form is a stench to His nostrils.