Our words create images inside of us. What we say paints a mental picture, whether or not we realize it. And just like everything else we do in this world, we’re given a choice. We can be positive or we can be negative. We can either speak positive words about the future, or we can reinforce the establishing of a negative one.
It’s easy for us to get so wrapped up in what we SEE in this world. We miss the fact that God is UNSEEN, and true to His nature He often works BEHIND the scenes. He created everything, absolutely everything – out of nothing. He spoke, and creation came into being. His words established reality.
In the same way we should watch what comes out of our mouths, it’s also important for us to know how to practice the lost art of Shutting Up. Instead of talking negatively about ourseves, our children, or our family and friends, it would be better to say nothing. I think one of the most applicable sermon series I’ve ever heard on this subject was LifeChurch’s Zip It messages about two years ago. (Excellent messages.I can’t recommend them enough.)
Watching our words requires us to watch our attitudes. The Bible says “from out of overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45) If you genuinely want to watch what you say, it’s going to require your taking a good, hard look at what you’re THINKING from moment to moment.
You’ll have to look at your core belief system, and pinpoint exactly WHY you’ve given into thinking so negatively. There’s a reason for everything we think, say and do. Rooting out the self-destructive seeds that are buried down deep is where it starts.
“Those who say they can and those that say they can’t are both right.”
Our words are virtual seeds. We plant them in our minds and the minds of others when we speak. So take some time to examine what it is you’re planting, at what you’re saying. Ask God to reveal any areas in your life that you need to turn over to Him, to allow Him to weed out for your good. Ask yourself: do you REALLY want the picture you’re painting to sprout up out day? To become reality? And when it does, what’s going to be on those branches? Fruit? Or thorns?
Believe that everything you say – absolutely everything – will come to pass.
When we speak, we’re speaking a form of faith. We’re either speaking faith in a positive future, or we’re speaking faith in a negative one. Either way, one some level we’re believing in what we say, or else we wouldn’t bother saying it. So think about that. Let it sink in a little deeper and sting a bit. And then? The next time you want to complain or moan about this or that? Keep a lid on it.
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21
“Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord;keep watch over the door of my lips.” – Psalms 141:3
What we think determines what we believe, and what we believe determines what we say, and what we say determines what we do. Note the genesis of the entire process: it all starts in the mind.
In the same way, if we make a point to first speak words of wisdom, faith, healing, etc., then our words will affect our thoughts and, conversely, our actions. They’re all entwined; a complex, indivisible system.
Change your words? You change your thoughts.
Change your thoughts? You change your actions.
Change your actions? You’ll change your life.