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Words are powerful! In fact, what you say can determine your destiny. Words can build up and tear down. They can kill and they can give life. What are you saying?

Unfortunately, the majority of Christians fail to understand the power of the spoken word. How do I know this? First of all, I have experienced it personally. The Lord has dealt with me extensively concerning this area of my life, and has revealed to me that this is an area of concern in the Church today.  Secondly, I have witnessed it among my Christian brothers and sisters. Just recently, I was appalled at the harsh responses, negative comments, foolishness, nonsense, cruel and disrespectful things said to others on a Christian online forum.  I'm convinced that when we really comprehend the power of  words, we would not be so negative, nor make such condescending and critical comments to others and about others. Whether spoken verbally or written, words are still powerful.

The Bible teaches that what you say is the manifestation of what you think, and has the power of influence to alter one's belief. Perhaps, like me, many of you were taught not to say everything that comes to your mind. Yet, how many times have you heard individuals labeled as someone who speaks his or her  mind, or someone who says the first thing that comes to mind? While this may be expressed in a complimentary manner, it is not a compliment. Truth is, this is characteristic of a fool (Proverbs 12:23, 13:16; 14:33; 15:14).

The Word of God is very clear about the power of words and the power of belief. The truth of the matter is, you suffer the consequences of what you say, whether positive or negative, good or bad, in faith or in doubt.  How often has Proverbs 18:21 been quoted, “Death and life are in the power of tongue…”  However, we never complete the verse, which ends with, “And they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]."  Also, Proverbs 18:20 says, “A man’s [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil]."

Therefore, this article is written to challenge every reader to take a closer look at what you’re saying. Are you speaking words that edify and encourage? Do you always see the negative and say it before trying to see the positive in an individual or a situation? Do you speak words of criticism that hurt instead of constructive criticism for the purpose of helping? Does what you say have any substance, or is it simply nonsense—idle talk, vain babbling?

This is a serious matter for Christians today. Why? Because what you say is an expression of what’s in your heart. Basically, what you say expresses your attitude, while your actions are outward demonstrations of your character. “But whatever comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this is what makes a man unclean and defiles [him]. Matthew15:28. Therefore, this is a serious concern because it really points to a matter of the heart. And, when it comes to the heart, God is concerned! So, again I ask, “What are you saying?”

Secondly, it is a serious concern for Christians because what you say can be a measurement for your faith in God. (Mark 11:22-24). In essence, what you say is also an expression of what you believe. That belief can be positive or negative, good or bad. No matter how great the obstacle or the situation, whatever you say based on what you believe is what's going to happen. Unfortunately, when the distasteful, and disappointing things happen, in most instances, we have the audacity to ask, "why did this happen to me?" But now, take time to ask, "What was I saying? This is why Jesus commands in Mark 11:22-24, "Have faith [constantly] in God." He continues by stating, "...whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him. For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that it is granted to you, and you will get it."

The correlation of what you believe and what you say should give evidence of your faithful relationship with Jesus the Christ. One of the most unfortunate realities in the Church of Jesus Christ is inconsistency in this area. We say we believe God can do the impossible, but in actuality, what we say expresses doubt, fear and unbelief. Do we not understand that what we say is powerful enough to change the atmosphere and make it conducive to our words spoken in authority and the power of the Holy Ghost?  My beloved sisters and brothers in Christ,  our God is grieved that our words have caused more death than life. Many dreams and aspirations are dead; killed by your own words spoken about yourself to others as well as words you received from others.  Many suffer from illnesses and diseases because words of fear and doubt have been spoken, which gave the enemy an inroad to attack the physical body.  Children's academic performance,  emotional stability and spiritual development are thwarted because words of failure, defeat, and discouragement are spoken into their lives instead of praise and words that empower them.  We set our own limitations and boundaries by speaking words  that aren't empowered by constant faith in God. Moreover, we set limitations on God when we ask for something in prayer, but don‘t believe it will be granted. We succumb to obstacles (mountains) that keep us from progressing, being productive and achieving all that God has planned for us because of what we  say. Therefore, when you pray believe (trust and be confident) that it will be granted unto you, and you will get it. Have you been asking God for something? What have you been saying before you ask and after you ask? This is a serious concern for God because it is a matter of faith. And, according to Hebrews 11:6, “without faith it is impossible to please God.” So now, the question is, do you want to please God? If so, this is an opportunity to change!

What an honor and a privilege having been made in the image and likeness of God. He has given to us every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ. We have the power to make things happen in accordance with God’s will. This is our heritage as children of God.  No longer should we waste our inheritance and stoop to living beneath our privilege as children of the Most High God. We have been given authority to use the Name of Jesus, and have available to us the Holy Spirit Who empowers us to carry out God’s agenda in the Earth. We have everything we need that pertains to life and godliness! What more can we ask for? We have the power (supernatural power) and we have the power of attorney! Consequently, this same power and authority should be demonstrated in the words we speak.

God is waiting on you to take advantage of what He has invested in you. Here’s the challenge: Begin confessing and speaking these words for they spirit and life based on Ephesians 4:29: “From this time forward I will let no foul, or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of my mouth, but only such speech as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it. This is my choice.

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