The Power of Words
Words communicate ideas and messages. Personal opinions, ideas, and notions are commonly communicated through speech or in writing, filling the world with endless amounts of books. Books vary in their style and personality, which results in genres of writing. One book may tell of a young boy who scurried and scrounged the streets of London until he found a job, while another may unveil how a family changed because of a new spunky neighbor girl. Words are able to inspire a passionate teen and convict a searching soul; they can depict the sacrifice of one life for another, and spew malice and hatred. An expansive power -- it must be chosen how it is used because words powerfully impact human life.
“A picture is worth a thousand words,” is a well known saying, and rightly so. Words are a paintbrush. This paintbrush is used to display sight, sound, smell, and feeling to the viewer. The chosen words create a picture in the subject’s mind. It is the difference between walking home, skipping home, and trudging home; the difference between describing the ocean as “water as far as the eye can see,” and “water that leaps forward to touch the sand, only to frisk back to where it came from.” Each variation of walking home and each description of the ocean prompts a different image. Imagery is an influential usage of words, and the images depicted will often leave a greater effect than the words themselves.
The paintbrush effect allows us to remember specific events by their words. The words “I have a dream” trigger immediate thoughts of Martin Luther King Jr. and a national struggle with segregation. “And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’” This speech is a historical legacy of the struggle of racial segregation and the brave devotion of those who sought to change it. Small phrases also bring pictures to our minds “One small step for man; one giant leap for mankind” will ever be passed down in American history -- Neil Armstrong’s words as he stepped onto the moon. These quotes are nation changing and world changing words. Reading and re-reading them is similar to reliving the events that took place.
Words hold the power to convict. “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart,” Hebrews 4:12 (NASB). Throughout the ages this power has been witnessed. True conviction is heart wrenching and life changing. Biblical conviction is an experience that turns hearts toward God. It is an experience of growth, and it is literally life changing. Thousands of witnesses testify to this fact. In particular, Nicky Cruz’s transformation from inner city gang leader to Bible scholar and preacher shows God’s hand. Other stories of Hudson Taylor, Lillian Trasher, Jim Elliot, and thousands more recount conversion testimonies. Though the stories are similar in the sense that they are testimonies; they are all incredibly unique in their circumstances. This is just another point towards God orchestrating everything in our lives. His words are sharp enough to pierce the hardest coldest heart. Hebrews 4:12 could not be truer.
Words are our personal sword. Whether used offensively or defensively they still contain an eternal power. As C. S. Lewis speculated “You have never talked to a mere mortal,” every spoken word will push the hearer closer to Heaven or closer to Hell. Too often the responsibility of this sword is not considered. Swords are tools, not toys; they are dangerous. Broken families, marriages, and friendships are examples of misused words, or lack thereof. Lack of communication is perhaps more dangerous than spoken words themselves. An unresolved discrepancy leaves room for speculation. The void that is left from unspoken words will be filled with assumptions by the person that has not heard. These assumptions easily lead to misconceptions and miscommunications between the people that they affect. The power of words is so great that it even affects unspoken words. Spoken words also contain unique qualities. A spoken word can never be redone, taken back, or made over. Every word will either encourage or tear down the person whose ears receive the message.
Although they are not rare, words are valuable. A force that has the power convict, inspire, and change the world should be coveted by everyone, but it does not have to be. God has given most of us the gift of speech and the ability to think. This gift is something that cannot be given away, stolen, or lost. This gift has value. A gift of such value should not be used lightly or carelessly; it should be used with intention and wielded with confidence. The intention of the words is to point people to Jesus Christ. As an example, Jesus taught how to show the world His love. This is greatly accomplished by words and actions. The confidence that words are wielded with also comes from God. Many times the Bible says to “Be strong and courageous,” and “Fear not.” Joshua 1:9 (NASB) says, “ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Ultimately strength and courage come from God. It is a Christian’s duty to use what he has to give glory to God.
There is a purpose for everything, especially written words. Scrolls, clay tablets, books, and newspapers have told us of great heroes, scientific breakthroughs, and political scandals. These words have appeared in ballads, in scripts, in unknown country churches, and in king’s halls. We have inherited written legacies. These are legacies not only from the words that were spoken, but also from the message they hold. Their meaning, their effect, their passion is still evident. Their power is constantly wielded, constantly tearing down and building up. As Proverbs 18:21 states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Words are powerful; it is time to use them wisely.
