Your Words Matter /// A Follow-Up to The Power of Mental Sight

A couple months ago, I posted The Power of Mental Sight, which was about how we need to see what God is giving us in order for us to start believing it. I've wanted to make it a proper mini-series for a while now, like I did with A Misdiagnosis last year. So let's continue, shall we?

So I said last time that we move toward what we focus on. That's where our thoughts come into play. If we picture ourselves joyful, healthy, prosperous, peaceful, et cetera, we will begin to travel in that direction. The opposite is, unfortunately, true as well. It makes you wonder how many people die from diseases, lose their homes and loved, and experience negative situations because of what their mind's eye was set upon.

However, all cars have a steering wheel. The same is true for our minds. They are greatly impacted by something very small.

Your tongue.

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You have to understand just how much your words matter. The Bible has some very clear-cut things to say about the tongue and what comes out of our mouths.

"Those who guard their speech ensure they will take another breath, but those who talk without thinking guarantee their demise." (Proverbs 13:3, The Voice)

"Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit--you choose." (Proverbs 18:21, The Message)

"It's like when we place a metal bit into a horse's mouth to ride it; we can control its entire body with the slightest movement of our hands. Have you ever seen a massive ship sailing effortlessly across the water? Despite its immense size and the fact that it is propelled by mighty winds, a small rudder directs the ship in any direction the pilot chooses. It's just the same with our tongues! It's a small muscle, capable of marvelous undertakings. And do you know how many forest fires begin with a single ember from a small campfire? The tongue is a blazing fire seeking to ignite an entire world of vices. The tongue is unique among all parts of the body because it is capable of corrupting the whole body." (James 3:3-6b, The Voice)

Do you see what I'm getting at? If your words aren't lining up with your mental image, there's a disconnect somewhere. As important as it is to have the right picture in your head, it's just as important--if not more so--to have the right words coming out of your mouth.

Why do they say that? Your words can shape your beliefs easier than your thoughts can. If you're just focusing on God's blessings up in your brain, you can steer yourself in the right direction by engaging your imagination, one of the most powerful tools bestowed to you. But speaking utilizes at least two senses: you're talking and hearing yourself talk. Plus, speaking can also activate the imagination as you envision what you're talking about. That gives the tongue a huge edge.

This is why you need to watch what you say. To paraphrase Matthew 12:35, what you're producing in your life reveals the state of your heart. If you take a sip from a water fountain and encounter a rusty taste, you know the source has been contaminated. Likewise, your words show what's been brewing on the inside.

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Consider someone who's always saying, "I can't ever do anything right. I always get sick when cold season rolls around. My boss favors my coworkers more than me." That says a lot about their heart beliefs. What they don't realize is that, by voicing those thoughts, they're only reinforcing them in their life. Imagine what could happen if they changed their words!

I want to challenge you: for one week, talk as you always do. But take note of what you're saying. Then gather your results at the end of the week and ask yourself where and how you can improve. You become truly effective for God's purposes and plans for your life once your beliefs line up with His truth. I'm curious as to what I'm saying, so I am going to participate in this activity too and report back next week, on my Monthly HapPENings post.

Before I conclude, I have two non-related things I want to add. First, I apologize profusely for not responding to comments in a while. I've noticed a drop in them lately, and I think that's on me. I will do my best to catch up next week. I still appreciate each and every comment I get, so don't stop.

Also, after May 31st, you can no longer submit any questions for my blogoversary vlog. If you have any more you'd like to ask--as I will be attempting to answer all of them--do so before time runs out. I'd love to see what kind of things you want to know about me.

So what're your thoughts on today's subject? Do you agree or disagree? Can you think of anything off the top of your head that you've been saying that needs to change? If you know anyone who could use what I have to say in this mini-series, feel free to share the link with them, or link it on your social media. (Just putting it out there.)