“Trees are swayed by winds, men by words.” (Joan Aiken)
Words have the power to change mindsets in a positive way, which in turn can change the outcome of a situation. Bear in mind, they also have the power to incapacitate leaving a situation filled with doom. What thought comes to mind while contemplating the word ‘Imagine’. You may find yourself wondering off onto a path of thought quite amazing.
The Power of Words
One word can have the power to bring about change in you, change the way you think and influence every aspect of your life. If we replaced the word ‘Imagine’ with the word ‘Fear’, what would your immediate thoughts be? It would most definitely not be positive happy thoughts. Your emotional state may be stirred up to the point of feeling numb or helpless. Every conceivable negative thought may come to mind and taunt you. There is undeniably incredible power in words.
Just consider the power in the well-known words of Winston Churchill as he spurred Britain into action, or Steve Jobs speech at Stanford University: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”
The Negativity of Words
Words have the power to change lives – what are you doing with yours? We are all wired with emotions. At times we can be negative and through our negativity destroy a dream, or we can feel hurt and react with explosive fury, or we can be angry and just at that moment spew out words filled with venom. Sadly, when the dust settles, we regret our words but unfortunately the damage is already done.
Then there is enemy Number One – Malice – it delights in inflicting hurt or injury on another person. Malice is a degree of meanness which has turned into full blown hatred. A malicious person enjoys seeing another person’s suffering and wishes ill will on another.
We need to always consider our words before uttering them. Why do we need to humiliate people with slander and false accusations? Not only does it express lack of character, but its distasteful behaviour and causes great pain.
Biblical Insights
There is no better example of the power of words than those of Jesus the Christ: “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33b); “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30); “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9); “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26).
The Bible reminds us: “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
This passage of scripture promises that God’s Word will not return to Him empty but will accomplish that which He purposes. Indeed, we see again and again in the Bible where God’s word created, where the words of Jesus stilled the storm, delivered people from demons and brought healing from disease. The words of Jesus always brought about positive change and have tremendous power because they hold His authority.
When Christians declare and pray His Word, tremendous power is unleashed both in the heavenly realm and here on earth. For a duration of time, a man struggled with the lack of growth in his business and could not find a way to turn the situation around. He spoke scripture over his life, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26) and trusted God for a solution. God revealed an alternative path for his business and he is now thriving. God’s Word has power if we speak it over situations in our lives.
We must learn to rule over our tongues and never speak inappropriately to our neighbour’s prejudice or to God’s dishonour. We must be sincere in everything that we say, and not be double-tongued. Just remember that our words will reflect our minds.
About the Author: Dr Alan Louis is a third generation entrepreneur in a family with a 100-year business history. He devoted his life to Christianity as a child. Awarded a PhD in Commerce, is an Ultra Ironman Triathlete Gold medallist and was inducted in the IBC Hall of Fame for entrepreneurship. Internationally he has served on more than 100 private corporate boards, and has experienced the trials and successes of commerce for 3 decades.
