Singers, talk show hosts, and public speakers (to name a few) all have something in common. When they are preparing for an event, they do a microphone check. They want to make sure the levels are exactly the way they want them. The sound has to be just right. After all, their voice is the instrument that conveys the message.
Have you ever thought of your voice as an instrument? Well, I am here to tell you it is. This beautiful instrument has an output called WORDS. Words are so powerful. What we say and how we say it will either get a reaction or the silent treatment.
Growing up, I was very loose with my words. I never considered that my WORDS could affect someone else. It wasn’t until I got older that I deeply understood the power of my words. And let me just tell you, I am still working on this area in my life…especially in my family relationships.
Did you know that our WORDS are a confirmation of how we see others and ourselves? We speak from a place of what we think and feel. The inner part of us is in communication with all who are around us. This leads me to believe that our WORDS can either be life-giving or a weapon that destroys, as well as sharing the story of who we are. I read an article about this subject matter and it brought me to a pause. It was very clear to me that I needed to examine my output. I remember the nursery rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” As a kid, this was so cool to say to my rival. I have come to understand that WORDS do hurt me and I know many of you feel the same way. I also realize that when I am careless with my WORDS, I hurt people as well.
What if we all stopped for a moment and thought about what we want to say before we say it? Perhaps we can start considering a situation and assessing it before we plunge into it. This would be like a microphone check to work out the levels before performing. Maybe it’s our tone and we need a little bit of an adjustment. In some cases, perhaps we just need to take a moment of silence to re-position the letters in our hearts. Or, what if we just chose to say words that actually encourage and build others up? This one small step could make a huge difference in our lives and in the world we live in.
Over the years, I have found some great words that inspire me to think through what I want to say before I say it. In Ephesians 4:29 (ESV), it says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” I have found this truth to be highly valuable and effective. It has become one of my training tools when it comes to using my instrument. We must all remember that a voice that cares is a voice that shares. So in closing, what will you say today that will stay?