To Inspire:

I’m reading a powerful little book entitled The Forgotten Way, by Christian author Matthew Kelly. The Forgotten Way is based on eleven words from the New Testament book of James, Chapter 3, verse 2:

For we all trip up in many ways. Someone who doesn’t trip up in speech has reached perfection and is able to keep the whole body on a tight rein.

The book is all about the power of our words to build up or tear down, to inspire or to discourage. And those who harness their words properly have reached a level of perfection. From a Christian perspective, perfection is aligned with holiness – living out our life’s purpose to love – at the highest level possible. And our speech is fundamental to that journey toward perfection or holiness.

Here’s an excerpt from Matthew’s book about the impact of our words:

Words matter. It is literally impossible to comprehend the power of words. God used words to create. His words transformed chaos into order. For example, “in the beginning the Lord God said, “Let there be light” and there was light.” Not only did God use words to create, but God is the Eternal Word and His son, Jesus is referred to as “the Word made flesh.”

Words are creative. They don’t just float away into the air. They create. They create within us, and they create in other people. Our words act on people. A tongue-lashing can be a thousand times more devastating to a person’s spirit than a physical beating. “The tongue has the power of life and death.” (Proverbs 18:21)

Words become stories and stories become the narratives in our hearts and minds, in our relationships and in our culture. And stories can change the world.

Our ability to speak is so powerful that we should have profound respect for it.

The teachings of Christ are clear that the path that leads to fullness of life is a narrow path that requires discipline. The relationship between discipline and success is undeniable. Physical health, career, personal finances, friendship, marriage, parenting, character, building a legacy, and of course, the spiritual life – all require discipline. And one of the most profound ways to grow in discipline is through the governance of our speech.

My encouragement for all of us is to reflect more deeply on the power of our words. What words are we using with those closest to us? Are our words lifting their spirits and encouraging them? Or are we negatively impacting them, even crushing their spirit? Today, determine that you will begin to discipline your speech, using words that give life to others. You’ll find their lives and yours changed for the better. Let’s live lives of greatness, beginning with our words.

And for those celebrating Easter, have a wonderful Easter!

Written by Matt Palmer, Partner & Co-Founder