Recommitting my life to God
After my water baptism, guests came up to me and said they would be careful about the words they used in the future. They had been impacted by the testimony I shared and some even said it served as a warning!
You see, I was raised in the church. I attended Sunday school from age five. I regularly went to the weekly service with my three siblings and mother (sometimes my father). Later, I was part of the youth group and camps. Church was central to my life.
However, after just one year at university my head faith was failing and my interest in God and Christianity at an all-time low. While I diligently studied, I also relished the freedom and opportunities of campus social life including balls and parties.
One sentence
One day a well-known campus Christian gently suggested I attend a Christian event. To this day, I still remember my reply:“I am too busy having fun, I will think about God when I am old, when I am 40!”
Sadly, what I had spoken in one simple, thoughtless and arrogant sentence was to come to pass. It wasn’t till a personal tragedy brought me to my knees that I reached out to God again.
Thankfully, he was still there, graciously waiting with wide open arms. This time I connected to him in a real and personal way.
But the story doesn’t end there! God supernaturally, through a series of divine circumstances, arranged my water baptism for the week of my 40th birthday! Yes, those words spoken 20 years earlier had played out in my life to the letter! I wonder what my life would have been like had I not uttered that fateful sentence?
Words are containers of power
Words have the power to soothe and calm, or attack and abuse.
Words have the power to seek understanding and reconciliation, or cause loss and pain.
Words give us wisdom. Words can inspire.
Words are fundamental to the communication process.
Joyce Meyer
Internationally known Christian speaker, author and teacher Joyce Meyer says, “Every word can either be a brick to build or a bulldozer to destroy.”
The Bible
The Bible has much to say about words including: “For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned,” (Matthew chapter 12, verse 37). This is a sobering thought. We will have to give account for every word we utter.
There are 100 different verses on the power of words in the Bible, including; “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” (Proverbs chapter 18, verse 21)
We are also told to “see about being quick to listen and slow to speak” (James chapter 1, verse 19). It’s clear words are very important to God.
Writers and words
Writers know about the power of words. The power of a dramatic sentence, the right adjective. Powerful words can transport the reader to another world. The right words can soothe our souls. “Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket (Proverbs chapter 25, verse 11)”
God’s words are infused with power. After all, he spoke creation into being. Words are important whether written or spoken.
Counselling and words
As a counsellor I know the importance of words to affirm and build up someone’s self-esteem. In counselling sessions, I listen attentively, often for long periods, to people’s pain, much of it caused by words and actions.
The writer of Proverbs is so true when he pens: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. (Proverbs chapter 18, verse 21)
Sarah Richards has a Post-graduate Dip in journalism and has written for a number of secular and Christian newspapers, magazines and websites in New Zealand including Challenge Weekly, Christian Life, Bible Society New Zealand and the Daily Encourager. She is also a trained counsellor.
Sarah loves family and has two young adult children and a Minnie poodle. In her spare time she runs, walks, writes, attends church and visits cafes!