My senior year in High School, I won two state awards from the Henry Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia. One award was for Best News Story and the other for Best Feature Story of the Year for High School Newspapers. I learned it was not the words I used but the underlying story I revealed that brought me the recognition. Words can impact but most importantly, they reveal. When it comes to words, I am definitely pro-choice.
The right words can bring recognition. Words can close a business deal, create a friendship or make a girl give you a second look. The wrong words, well, ask Chuck Schumer last week…or Biden or Trump at any given time. Between Twitter, Facebook, fake media, 24-7 talk radio and news casts we are drowning in words. James, the half brother of Jesus, had the best advice ever. He said, “..Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19.
Words carry weight and are powerful. Words are the fruit of the seed they represent. The God of Creation can create ex nihilo (out of nothing) and He chose to ‘speak’ the world into existence. ‘And God said. “Let there be light,” and there was light…’ Genesis 1:3. He chose four words. Enough said.
Along with power comes responsibility. The Bible teaches us the size of an object doesn’t determine it’s power. Power can be used for good or for evil. A bit in the mouth of a horse, a rudder on a ship, a spark to start to flame…and our tongue. “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” James 3:6. Interesting how James emphasizes more of the destruction that is done with the words we choose than the good.
Every blogger, poster and politician should be reminded it’s not the quantity of words you use, it’s the quality. Once a word is spoken it can’t be taken back. Words are a reminder that you can’t always win, but you can always lose. Jesus put it bluntly, “…For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgement for every empty word they have spoken” Matthew 12:34-26. Choose your words wisely.
I learned early in life my ability to use words was one of my greatest strengths. It took me a LOT longer to realize it was also one of my greatest weaknesses. I’m still learning an economy of words is the best economy to have. I hear words of arrogance and anger from leaders in Washington. I see words of division from people I know and love on Facebook. I wonder if anyone else sees their choice of words as a weakness to control.
In this age where internet searches reveal enough data, sound bites and studies to choke a horse, people aren’t using their own words as much as they used to. The internet allows you to search and find someone else’s words to use in place of your own. Confirmation bias is the tendency to search, find, interpret and favor information in a way that confirms and strengthens your personal beliefs. But, the internet and confirmation bias are destroying original thought and critical thinking.
So, if people are choosing to express themselves with less original words and using other sources for their words, what and who are we hearing expressed? Peter reminded Christ followers, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray…If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God…” 1 Peter 4:7-11. Peter’s advice would be to choose the Word of God for all confirmation bias. Ask God what to say before you speak and then speak boldly.
The ‘hate speech’ movement and ‘safe zones’ sound well-intentioned, but are veiled attempts to replace original thought, stifle free speech and steal the words we can use. Our children are being taught to fear using words because they may offend someone. If you ingrain this behavior at a young age, when they get older and more people listen to them the behavior will likely remain. The result is the same. Less original speech and more mimicked words from an approved source. Originating where? Approved by whom? Make a choice.
Free speech may sound like an amendment or an ideology, but it goes deeper. If our words are God’s Word, the battle becomes more clear. If what we say reveals HE is our source, the source is under attack. The attack doesn’t come from the left or the right, it comes from an enemy that was cast out of heaven before time began. The people leading the attack are merely representatives of the source. We are responsible for making sure our words come from the source we truly represent. Choose your source.
So, where do we go from here? The Bible reminds us, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs (my emphasis), that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29. There is a difference between using words for someone else’s needs other than your own. Too often we hear words being used to promote an agenda and for personal gain. I choose God’s agenda.
Instead of tearing down a Supreme Court Justice or potential rulings, why not build up the Constitution and the judicial branch. Build up your candidate without tearing down someone else’s. Is it worth saying you have a right to choose if it destroys someone else’s need and right to life? These words have been stolen by the world and reveal the battle is between life and death, powers and principalities. Choose a side.
I am pro-choice when it comes to choosing words. Words are powerful. Words build up and they tear down, they unite and divide. Words start things and end things. Words reveal and words cover up. We must choose what we say wisely. When we speak from the heart we need to ask who and what is directing our heart.
God is pro-choice with free will and the words you can use, but…everyone who calls themselves a Christian must remember, “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:37. I’ve run my mouth enough over the years to plead guilty and know I need a savior. Thank you, Jesus. I also need to remind others that I’m sorry for any things I’ve said that were hurtful and harmful. I choose to admit I’ve been wrong more times than I care to know.
The day is coming when we will all be held accountable for the choices we have made regarding what we say and do. The last words in the last chapter of the book in the Bible are in red…and they are a mic drop.
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” Revelation 22 12.