In 1866 a man named Alfred Nobel invented dynamite. He developed the explosive power of nitroglycerin in stick form so that it would be beneficial primarily in mining and demolition work. People began to use dynamite to clear debris for the building of roads and bridges. The power of dynamite had the ability to improve the progress of construction and the development of roads and communities. But soon, nations discovered how to use it for war. That same dynamite that was created to build society could also be used to destroy life by bombing an enemy. Alfred Nobel was so impacted by the negative use of dynamite that before he died, he bequeathed his vast fortune to the establishment of the Nobel Peace Prize. He didn’t want his legacy to be connected to destruction; he wanted it to be connected to peace.
Like Aldred Nobel, we too possess a great power. It’s a power that can be used for good, or a power that can be used for evil.
What is this power we possess? It is the power of our words. With our words, our attitude, and even the tone of our voice, we have the power to inspire, encourage, uplift, bless, motivate, and influence others. We also have the power to discourage, tear-down, devalue, hurt, wound, and offend others. Each one of us possesses this power.
In James 1:19-20 the Bible says, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
There has never been more communication than there is today. There have never been more outlets and opportunities to speak. I am painfully aware that everyday I have the opportunity to make a difference with my words. Regretfully, sometimes I fail. But I want to speak words of life, hope, encouragement, and blessing.
This doesn’t mean that I don’t speak the truth, quite the contrary. We speak truth, we share Christ, we point people to Scripture….but how we do it matters greatly. When I speak from a position of anger it usually closes the ears of my listener and I do more damage than good…even when my intent was to share truth.
James says we should be slow to speak. Let’s think this through. Slow to speak. Slow to react. Slow to respond. Slow to comment on social media. Slow to fire back a text. Slow to speak out of judgment, criticism, frustration, or anger. God’s Word is asking us to be slow to speak.
Proverbs 13:3 - “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
Proverbs 10:19 - “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”
So, how can we honor God with our words and our conversations? A tool to help us slow down is a filter. You can filter your words by first asking a few questions. Consider what you are tempted to say and then answer these questions:
We might be tempted to say, “It’s the truth, so I’m going to say it.” But the Holy Spirit wants to guide, not only what we say, but how we say it. Remember the fruit of the Spirit. These character traits are the ongoing evidence of the Spirit of God in our lives. God wants us to grow in the fruit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We can apply all of these character traits to how we speak whether it’s verbal or in written form.
Today’s Challenge: We desperately need to help of the Holy Spirit to become slow in our speaking. Make some time to pray and ask God for his help and his wisdom. Today you’ll have the opportunity to practice this new skill. May God give you strength.
