I’VE KILLED BUT ALSO LEARNED TO CREATE, HERE’S HOW
‘Your words are so powerful that they will kill or give life, and the talkative person will reap the consequences.’ Proverbs 18:21
As soon as I read this verse in the Bible I’m transported back to one of my favorite films, Rush Hour, here’s why.
Not being able to speak is not the same as not speaking. You seem as if you like to talk. I let people talk who like to talk. It makes it easier to find out how full of sh** they are. — Jackie Chan (Rush Hour)
I grew up in a home that measured nearly every word. My dad is wordsmith aka Dr. of Words. He taught me at a young age the importance of this verse. Even to this day, if I’m about to say something, I will catch myself, knowing, that I may be killing my future with my words. (Side note: my dad still to this day recites Bible passages out lout for hours to start his day)
What have you murdered in your life? It’s a big statement. It’s a scary word. We usually only think of this word for the insensitive and cold blooded. But maybe it’s truer than we realize.
Last night as I lay in bed, I said a simple prayer, “God, help me to understand Faith. Faith like I’ve never known before.”
Moments later, I felt like I was talking to myself about Faith. My mind started to explore the word ‘faith’ and scriptures started coming to my mind. One of the words that stuck out the most was ‘trust’.
Then this verse popped in my head.
‘Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.’ James 2:17
I started to exchange the word ‘trust’ with the word ‘faith’. So basically, it says, “Trust without works is dead.” Meaning, if I don’t move forward with actions that I trust God, then I don’t. I’m basically a f’n flake.
What does that look like for you? I really don’t know. You have to work that out. You have to ask yourself the hard questions. But, what I do know is this.
‘“So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom and the righteousness that proceeds from him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. ‘ Matthew 6:33
Seems to me, chasing God is a good idea. And, here’s another good (God) idea. If you seem stuck in this season with work or your career due to the corona virus pandemic, God knows where and what you need to be doing next.
As I was laying in bed last night those same thoughts came to me. “What if I get fired or laid off? What do I need to prepare for next? Is there a business I need to begin to develop?” I had all sorts of negative thoughts bombarding my brain. Finally, I stopped, and prayed.
“Lord, you brought me here, you can take me anyhwere. If I need to prepare, let me know. If not, I’m here.”
God knows what you need and how you need it. But there’s also the element of faith (trust) for what God has for you next. And, your f’n mouth is part of that solution. Don’t kill what’s next because you don’t have faith. Be mindful of both.
Before I wrap this one up, I want to fire off some thoughts about what you have murdered in your life. And, I want to remind you, that the same words used to destroy can be recalibrated to breathe life into your world.
You may have destroyed your career with your words.
You probably have crafted sickness in your world with your mouth.
You could have crushed Faith (Trust) in God with your words.
However — out of the abundance of your heart, your mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45)
If you are murdering your world, what is in your heart? If you are killing your career, what’s in your heart? If you are destroying favor or blessings, what’s in your heart?
This is your moment for the greatest comeback. No one can stop you but you. Your mouth used for good can transform your world. I dare you to try it.
Let’s pray:
Jesus, you know the words I’ve been speaking. I probably don’t even realize what I’m doing. Help me to see my blind spots. I know you have more for me in this world. I want to live life to the fullest. Help me to fill my heart with your goodness. Let it overflow within me. Let’s make this happen today. amen.
