Words Matter
“WORDS MATTER”… This short statement is made numerous times at our training facility. The instructors want every employee to realize the correct terms of what we do, and, they want us to be able to explain our processes and procedures to a tee…therefore, words matter. Men and women alike use roughly 16,000 words each day…and yeah, we know “that person” that uses their 16,000 PLUS at least half of ours, because they won’t let us get a word in edgewise … they just love to hear themselves talk ! Just consider this for about 30 seconds… what are we saying ? Are we encouraging more than we’re discouraging ? Are we rattlin on about “nothin”, or are we passing on useful information ? When we respond to our kids or spouses, do we speak in tones and use words that transfer respect and love, or are we “snapping” at em like they’re a nuisance, just for speaking ? At work, do we convey a positive attitude, accompanied by friendliness and a jovial spirit, or, does our face look like those old tintypes where the couple looks ticked off most of the time ? God tells us, in ( Ephesians 4:29 ), “ Don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those that listen.” Jesus would also remind us that “it’s not what goes into our mouths that make us unclean, it’s what comes out that makes us unclean, for everything that comes out of our mouth originated in our heart ( Matthew 15:11,15-19 ). If I’m constantly berating my son / daughter, they will grow up getting a poor reflection of our loving Savior. If i belittle an employee, instead of offering kind guidance and instruction, they will have a blurred picture of a loving Father that desires for them to grow in their training and admonishing of Him ( Ephesians 6:4 ). If my nerves are frayed and I’m ready to snap, i can choose to remain silent and pray that the words i use will be as living water, and not bitter herbs ( Proverbs 16:24 ). I cannot count the times I’ve uttered harsh words, smartellic comebacks or a foul word…even if it felt like the right thing at the moment. Because the Spirit of God lives in me, i knew immediately it was wrong, and felt shame and remorse. God knows our weaknesses and loves us anyway. He doesn’t like to hear our dirty talk , harsh responses, coarse language or smartellic comebacks … He holds us ( those that He calls, “son” and “daughter” ) accountable for every word ( Matthew 12:36-37 ) we speak ! Therefore, we should weigh very carefully what we say and how we say it…knowing what GOD has to say about it ! “Lord, let the words of my mouth and even my thoughts be pleasing to you” ( Psalm 19:14 ), oughta be our constant prayer. God wants only the best for his people … that’s why he came down from heaven to live amongst us and show us how it can be done ( 1 Corinthians 11:1 ). If we don’t care…and we continue to cast a false impression of HIM, what does that say about “us” ? Either we’re living outside His will, living in defiance and disobedience of His rules, regurgitations and commands, or we’re striving to be more like Christ…putting other’s needs before our own…lovingly admonishing and correcting, using the words of our Lord and Savior ( 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ). Let’s make it a resolution to use our words more wisely…and if they don’t sound like something Jesus would say, let’s keep em from slipping out our mouths. We may still haveta ask God for forgiveness, but at least we didn’t include someone else ! Father, temper our words with grace…let mercy be the balm we use to heal…and let Your love be our guide. In Jesus’ name … Amen. Words matter.