Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. — 1 John 3:18
I used to teach elementary school, and each year for the first few days all I did was teach the classroom rules to all the students. We would practice walking in line, how to go through the cafeteria to get lunch, and how the overall rules worked.
My words would instruct them and they would act in response to that. That is the definition of obedience.
You already know by now that your words have power and can create life or death. The other thing your words can do? Cause action. What you say can lead others to act.
I mean, take this whole devotional for example. Here I am, sitting in a hotel room in Charlotte, North Carolina, writing about the power of words. And there you are, wherever you are, responding to those words.
Words lead to actions.
If you tell yourself over and over how ugly you are, your actions will reflect that. If you keep speaking life over your sister, she will act in confidence. That’s why it is important to use your words well; they are going to lead to action, in your own life or in someone else’s.
Your words, my friend, are so powerful. Please, don’t forget that.
TALK TO GOD Dear God, as I seek to live and use my words to glorify You, help me to remember the power of what I say. When I speak to others, and when I talk about myself, I want those words to lead to actions that further Your kingdom.
* * *