Do you know that our tongue is one of the most powerful weapons we have as humans? Yes, I used the word human because it applies to everyone irrespective of who you are and what you believe in. Whatever you say even if you don't mean it, have a way of coming to pass. I shared my story four months ago on how I lost out to a very good opportunity because I was so negative about the whole thing. I woke every morning, stood in the mirror and I'd say to myself how I've failed the interview. Well, I have learned my lessons, but the thing is, my tongue contributed about 70% to my failure in that interview. To be honest, it wasn't my attention to be negative about the job, but I was carried away with everything that I forgot there is power in spoken words.
Sometimes, we speak all sorts of negative things concerning our lives without knowing the consequences of what we are doing. I have seen a lot of parents even believers who will call their kids names in anger. Sometimes, people say so many negative things about themselves forgetting we are gods. Our words are so powerful that it can make or break us. They are so destructive even the Bible supports this. The tongue produces fruit and those who love it shall reap what they sow. The question is what kind of seed do we plant with the tongue? Do we plant a good or bad seed?
James 3 talks about the dangers of the tongue. It can set anyone's life on fire. Just a word from the mouth can kill anyone so it's important to be mindful of the things we say to ourselves, those around us, and anyone that cross our path. The Bible says thy shall not kill, it doesn't necessarily mean when you kill someone with a gun or knife. Sometimes, we fall short of this commandment because we've failed to control the things we say some might call it freedom of speech. Yes, we are free to say whatever we want, but let's watch the things we say in order not to kill anyone.
Just like I said earlier, the tongue is one of the most powerful weapons we have as humans, but that doesn't give us the right to use it negatively. God has given us the power to choose from what is right and wrong. They say talk is cheap, it's easier for anyone to say things angrily and apologize after a few minutes. Remember every word leaves a scar which might take time to heal or not except with the help of the Holy Spirit. Now, the question is what words do you say to yourself and others around you? How often do you use the word hate and love? How about words like failure and success? God has given us the authority over all the things He created. This simply means we can also control our tongue without letting it have control over us.
Sometimes, it's not easy to always watch the things we say because it has become a habit to use abusive words for most people. They've stored in their hearts a lot of negative words that it's so difficult to get them to say good things concerning their lives or anyone's life, but there is good news for all of us. The bible says we can do all things through Christ that gives strength. In Him, we are strong. Controlling the tongue and using it for good can be achieved through Christ. The important thing is to accept that you have a problem. We have to make up our minds. Before now, I can never say anything good about my country. There are no negative names that I don't say about Nigeria until I listened to a sermon. I learned that whatever I say Nigeria is to me that is exactly what it becomes for me if I say Nigeria is bad, Nigeria will definitely be bad for me. I prayerfully asked the Holy Spirit to help me say good things about my country or help me keep shut whenever I don't have anything meaningful to say, and it's working. The Holy Spirit has been helping me to keep shut. Come to think of it, we use this same tongue to praise God then again, we turn back to use that same tongue to destroy others. We can't actually achieve this on our own except we ask the Holy Spirit to help us.
In Conclusion,
God wants the best for us, and which is why He has revealed to us the power that lies in the tongue. He wants us to use it wisely. He wants us to speak in love and kindness, and not of hate. He wants us to use it for the glory of God, and not for destruction.