Words have power! This is something I think each of us inherently understands, but it’s easy to lose sight of it in the day-to-day. In our electronic world, we’re bombarded by messages from morning to night. Social media posts, memes, headlines, and texts feed our minds an abundance of words to process — many of them less than uplifting — and if we’re not careful, we end up parroting the negative things that we hear. However, since what we habitually say forges our future, it’s wise to wake up each morning and make a commitment to taming our tongues. Though we don’t want to become legalistic in such matters, as much as possible, we should use our words to speak life by way of Scriptural encouragement, affirmation, and gratitude. When we do this, we introduce a sweet aroma into the atmosphere that points directly to the heart of a loving God. Because He formed the world and everything in it using words, He bestows on us the same divine privilege. We have the authority to design the space around us by choosing what to say, and this is both an honor and a responsibility.

My friend, be a good steward of your words. If ever our culture has needed the gift of positivity and encouragement, it’s now. Fear, dissension, and distrust abound, and the Lord has given you the ability to be its antidote. As you resist the urge to speak that which isn’t edifying to God, yourself, and others, you lead by example and become a force for positive change. While this doesn’t mean you deny the reality of current circumstances, it does mean that you affirm the power of the One who is victorious over every pain and problem. By letting your mouth agree with His Spirit, you make a world-shaping difference that changes people for the better!