Life or Death

On Sunday, our friend, Tony Cooke, preached at Cornerstone Church and at KC Life Church. He reminded us on the Sunday night about the Power of Our Words. Proverbs 18:21 (The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language), "Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose."

Nearly everyone has had hurtful words spoken over them. Often, these words have done great damage. Years have been stolen from good people, because of the words of other people.

Two questions come to my mind. First, are my words bringing life or death to others? Second, am I going to allow the words of others to destroy me? I want to use the power of my words to build up others and myself. This is one of the great missions of my life. There are several written commitments, which I carry around in my preaching notebook. Here are a few, which deal with my words:
I will love every person I meet, and influence others to love God passionately
through my words and actions.
I will say, "I apologize," and "you're right," when I am wrong.
I will say, "Thank-you," "well done," and "I love you," whenever deserving or appropriate.
I will create an environment around me where others are encouraged and challenged to reach maximum potential.

I also try to make a habit of saying over myself what God says about me, "I am the righteousness of God in Christ. I am the head and not the tail. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. I am more than a conquerer in Christ. I have the mind of Christ. The greater One lives in me. I am blessed going out and blessed coming in. My barns are filled with plenty. I am accepted; I am loved; I am part of the family of God."

Reader, I challege you to use your words skillfully. They are poison or fruit; your choice. Choose life. You have the power.