Friday, May 25, 2018

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.

source

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.)

5 comments:

  1. YES YES YES!!! The power of thought and words is unbelievable. I always loved that verse about the horse and the bit. Because our tongues DO drive us. I mean, obviously, the Bible says so! I like your fountain analogy too. If everything coming out of our mouth is bitter, well, chances are our entire lifestyles are going to be pretty bitter as well.

    I'm EXTREMELY guilty of saying negative things and whining and being bitter about things. In fact, it's something I've been thinking about a lot lately. I really, really need to work on my mental outlook. We should be focusing on the POSITIVE, on our blessings, and then maybe our words will be a blessing as well.

    Now, I will say, some sickness just can't be helped. If I SAY I'm well, that isn't going to magically cure my severe heart defect, low immune system, chronic headaches, etc. It's kind of...hurtful when healthy people say sickness is all mind over matter. Um. Not really. If you get a cold, you get a cold. You can't really help that. But I realize that's not really what you're saying! What I'm gathering is that you're saying that our thoughts and words will drive us to live better lifestyles. If we talk about being healthy, then that will probably drive us to eat better and exercise more and so on. Which is very true. But some health issues can't be fixed by the power of thoughts and words... As nice as that would be. Lol.

    ANYWAYS. I loved this! And I love you challenge. I absolutely need to take note more of what's coming out of my mouth and readjust my attitude.

    Thanks for sharing with us! ^_^

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  2. I couldn't agree more with you. Great post! I'm not sure if I posted this question, the last time or not, but I'll put it out here anyway: If you could travel to any country in the world which would it be and why?

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  3. Great thoughts, Joe. :) It's always a great idea to stay positive!!

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  4. Well said! :)
    I certainly need to focus on the good things instead of complaining about stuff, because that never helps anything. . . (especially in them Worms matches).

    Here are more questions for ya!
    - Have you ever dreamt of being a superhero (or other such epic person)?
    - If you were only allowed to watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
    - Have you ever been pranked? If so, what has been the most memorable or craziest prank?
    - Have you ever pranked other people?
    - If you could instantly take up any hobby, what would it be?
    - Would you rather be a recurring character in The Flash TV series or a supporting character in the next Marvel Avengers film?
    - Do you have a favourite Bible story?




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  5. Now... for the kah-WESS-tee-aaaahnz!! :P
    I was going to check all the past blog comments to remind myself what had and hadn't been asked already, but sadly I'm too tired, so please forgive me and ignore any duplicate queries, okay bro?
    Also... you don't have to answer any of these if you don't want to. :P

    1. Fave Avenger? (you can't say all of 'em lol)
    2. 2-week holiday in Tasmania, Australia or the Seychelle Islands?
    3. In general, do you think long-haired or short-haired cats are cuter?
    4. Pasta or pizza?
    5. Fave of the 12 disciples? :P :P
    6. Do you think you'll ever grow a mustache?
    7. Do you like running?
    8. DID HAN SHOOT FIRST?
    9. Do you ever wear mis-matched socks on purpose?
    10. Have you ever done archery?
    11. Have you ever watched the Olympics on TV? What was your fave sport to see?
    12. Do you know what rugby is? :P
    13. Dark chocolate: yay or nay?
    14. What fictional book or movie setting would you most like to visit?
    15. Do you get annoyed by people clicking ball point pens when they're thinking?
    16. What's your favourite hot drink?
    17. Would you rather own a luxury cruise yacht (say 60ft) or a bi-plane (seating 5 people)?
    18. What's your favourite flavour of savoury pie? How about sweet pie?
    19. What is the best compliment you have ever gotten from somebody?
    20. If you had a million dollars to give to a charity, who would you give it to and why? :)

    There ya go. Twentee Kwesteeunz. ^_^

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