It is Written
Words with wings...
Dear Reader,
The importance of understanding the power of the spoken word has been highlighted for me in recent days. I know I’ve written about this before, but stay with me for a moment…
Because we are created in the image of God, and He created everything with Word (see John 1), then it stands to reason that our spoken word is also creative. It makes me think of "Self-fulfilling prophecies." We know this is true in the sense that what we set our minds on we walk toward not only physically (I walk to the store), but also emotionally (I feel sick today).
We can speak word curses over ourselves, other people, nations, and situations simply by repeating speculations and how we feel about ourselves or the conclusions we draw about others. Consider some news media outlets and the repeating of lies and tragedy. Should we know about these things? Yes, probably, but for the purpose of prayer. However, often the addiction (and it is an addiction of sorts) to negativity in the guise of “being prepared for the worst,” tends to lead to gossip, speculations (lies) and the propagation of death, doubt, and unbelief. This highlights the need for self-control (our tongue and what we allow to be entertained in our thoughts) and also the need for discernment regarding what is true (temporary/today), Truth (timeless/ precepts from Scripture) and deception. Every True thought (I feel sick today) has a Truth ("Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones." Prov 16:24).
The Word of Faith movement years ago had some key truths that were accurate and worthy of study and application. They highlighted the reality of Logos (written word) and Rhema word (Spoken Spirit inspired Word). This difference was illustrated in Matthew 4 and Jesus' encounter with Satan. Let’s look at this.
Beginning with verse 3 of Matthew 4:
"...And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’”
[this is logos word, written word. Both Satan and Jesus know the written word and can converse on this level]
"5 Then the devil *took Him along into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and he *said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written:
‘He will give His angels orders concerning You’; and ‘On their hands they will lift You up,
So that You do not strike Your foot against a stone.’”
7 Jesus said to him, “[b]On the other hand, it is written: ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
[Again, this is Logos, but watch what happens when Rhema comes in…]
"Again, the devil *took Him along to a very high mountain and *showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; 9 and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.”
10 Then Jesus *said to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” 11 Then the devil *left Him; and behold, angels came and began to serve Him.
Did you notice the difference? Rhema word was added to the written word as declaration (command) in the power of the Spirit of Christ within. Rhema word is the written word with the power of the Spirit behind, in and through it said with the authority given to us through Christ (John 14). When Jesus went to the Father, He poured out the Holy Spirit upon the people. It is only Through the Spirit that we have any Authority in the Spirit to declare and decree a Truth over anything. The Word and the Spirit always agree. The Word must back up our words to have authority.
This leads me to a criticism I often think I hear regarding the power of words. People tend to leap to the criticisms of a revelation before considering the truth it contains. Consider with me the Word of Faith Movement (you can look this up, there are a lot of article, however use discernment). Most Christians are so used to hearing the criticisms they fail to glean the truth and spit out the distortions.
I think every Christian denomination/doctrine does hold a truth or two. The Word of Faith get carried away in their own wisdom and revelations. the most famous being: the “name it and claim it” idea which took the truth of Rhema word and bent it to personal agendas leading to the idea that everything existed for them. Another criticism was about being "little gods" well that came from John 1, originally, and got totally blown out of proportion. And like the Tower of Babel, every movement/denomination built around one revelation or personality ends up self-destructing.
So to be clear: I am not endorsing the Word of Faith movement! I am simply acknowledging the truth it contained that is backed up with scripture (contextual, not cherry picked). Isn't it sad (and frustrating) that we have to sometimes plow our way through unbelief and the pigeon holes people place us in to simply communicate a truth?
But that is a topic for another day....
In summary (and back to topic), I believe it wise to not give wings to idle words and speculation. The wind will take them to places unexpected, unintentional, but still consequential. What we speak, we will walk into. There are facts out there. There are True things out there. But there are also Truths to bring those “true things” into alignment with the Word of God.
Key to remember: the Word of God should be our measure, not our experience, feelings, or personal revelations or conclusions. If we make ourselves our measure for what is truth, it will be unstable because we are limited in our perceptions.
The power of spoken word has been highlighted for me in recent weeks with the loss of our son at 34yrs. The thoughts and conclusions I come to at times are like the wind. I can’t build my life upon my own conclusions, measuring Him or who he knew or situations by momentary ideas that occur to me and seem so wise with my experience as the measure. I have to take what I am thinking about and submit it to the Word of God and ask the Holy Spirit what does the Word say about my idea/self-revelation and conclusion? People close to me who also have a relationship with God can expand on my own perception and help reflect according to the Word. I have found sometimes my conclusion is accurate, but mostly my thoughts can be emotion driven born of the desire for a complete picture and conclusion to the story.
Thus, I try not to speak my conclusions. I find it wise to be careful about what words I give wings to.
A pastor recently reminded me, “Life is not fair, but God is still GOOD.” This truth (Word backs it up, it IS Truth you can depend on). And although I have heard this in the past, it was said at just the right moment for me now. It was a Rhema word because it has a lot of scripture based truth to back it up. It resonates in me even now as a mother of one no longer here, I flow through the waves of the natural momentary sadness regarding the absence of my son and the assurance in Christ that the loss of my son here (on earth) is not the final word.
May the Good Lord, King Jesus be highlighted in your earthly experiences today. May the Joy of the Lord be your strength, and may you see the steps He has prepared for you in the Light of Who He is.
“Through Him then, let’s continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips praising His name.” Hebrews 13:15
Grace and peace,
Anne
Study suggestion, plug in "own eyes" or "words" or "speak" or "heart" into a bible search.
