If Words matter, then where do they come from?

Have you ever had that moment where you speak words into existence and immediately wish you could get them back? Words are very powerful. Have you ever thought “Where did those words come from?” Before long, we begin to realize that’s just it…it’s our thoughts, that turn into those words that we wish we could somehow shove back into our mouths. James would argue that if we are in a relationship with Jesus we have been called to be ambassadors or witnesses. Certainly our actions are on display, but the words we speak have the power to bring life or death. James would push forward that we cannot overlook the responsibility of preaching the Gospel (James 3). Are we, as disciples, truly living and speaking in a manner that brings honor and glory to Christ? Both James and Paul should establish that believing in Jesus would determine the course of actions we take in our lives. Paul would press further into the idea that we have to take every thought captive (2 Cor. 10:5). Does heart regeneration happen on its own? My philosophy is that once a person comes to a cognitive level of understanding that Jesus sacrificed his life for their sin, then that will lead them to heart regeneration. Paul tells us that true transformation happens with the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2).

Fruit Trees?

James uses an illustration of fruit to further his point about the importance and impact of our words (James 3). When I was growing up, I loved playing in the backyard. Along the fence line we had apple trees and almost in the center of the yard we had two plum trees. It brings back fond memories of snacking on fruit while I played in the backyard. But here’s the deal, I never went to the apple tree and expected to get a plum. I never went to the plum tree expecting an apple. I believe James is challenging us to be consistent in our words and actions. If we claim to be Christ followers, then our words need to match our actions. So in every situation I have to ask myself, “What kind of fruit am I producing?” Jesus would say that a good tree cannot produce bad fruit and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit (Matt. 7:17-20).

Words Lived Out?

I am a habitual self-evaluator. As an ambassador of Christ, I believe it is important that we ask ourselves two questions on a ritualistic basis. First, what’s going into my mind? Second, what are others saying about the fruit (words) I am speaking?

I know we have all heard the cliché, “Garbage in garbage out,” but it happens to be a philosophy that is very applicable. If we adhere to Paul’s teaching, it is imperative to be spending time in the word of God. We cannot expect to display the qualities of Christ if we do not know what those qualities are. Galatians 5:22-23 explains love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are those qualities. Christ displayed these qualities and as an ambassador we too must display those same qualities. I think these fruits make an appearance or lack of an appearance in our everyday lives in the way we talk and live life.

Second, ask friends to give you honest feedback about the words you use and the life you are leading. Hopefully, you have a supporting cast that wants to help you grow and challenges you to be more like Christ. I know, for me, I have true friends and mentors I turn to that can give me an honest evaluation if I am being an example of Christ. Being vulnerable to take helpful criticism is extremely difficult and possibly not what our current culture is teaching us. But again, are we going to listen to culture or are we  willing to hold true to the scripture that has been communicated to us?

 

Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash