In the Beginning

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1, ESV)

Yesterday we began our look at the power of words and how best to use them as tools for our spiritual growth. We all know that words have the power to bring about good and evil, express creativity or stifle it, give life or bring death. But we don’t often think about it before the floodgates open leaving a wake of destruction behind them.

Words were put into use in creation, “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3, ESV). After the healing of the lame beggar in Acts 3, Peter called Jesus “the Author of life.” (Acts 3:15 ESV). John points out in the first verse of his Gospel that Jesus was the Word that existed before all things. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2, KJV). Why would God so infuse the scriptures with such powerful references to words? Why would He call Himself an author of our faith? The whole concept of covenant is all about the words used. God changed the names of individuals because names are powerful words!

Realizing the power of words is of the utmost importance, not only that we would avoid saying empty or harmful words, but that we would be mindful to make all of our words full of meaning, grace, creativity, and worship. Yes, worship. And our words reflect our worship whether they are addressed to God or to the guy that just cut us off in traffic. Not all of our worship is directed to God.

I’ll be the first to admit that often words fly from my mouth haphazardly and at a thousand miles per hour. It’s a daily struggle, that I will likely face as long as I walk this Earth. However, I am determined to grow. I am resolved to offer my worship only to God.

I had a friend while I was in college who set for me a wonderful example. I actually saw it as an annoyance at the time. Whenever he spoke, the words came painfully slowly. But he wanted nothing more that to ensure that the words he spoke were true and kind, and that they reflected well upon his Savior. We could all take a lesson from him.

Tomorrow we will continue our look at the power of words.

Blessings on your day!