What do you want to be known for? Is it important being liked, and getting likes, for how you portray yourself and your lifestyle on social media? While this is relevant in this day and age, there is another aspect that is so much more important. Sure, your looks and lifestyle might give you status and a following on social media, but do you make a meaningful impact? Are there friends and people around you that, if those things were stripped away, would still know and appreciate you? This question is hard, and a bit scary, I know. You may ask, “if not for those things, what would I be known for?” And to that question, I would answer that you should be known for your words. There are many people who say, “my grandmother once said..” or “I once heard it said this way..” What we can notice from these remarks is how people’s words can outlive them.
Therefore, the words you speak are connected to the person you are.
They are connected to your heart, so they are personal, and they are connected to your intellect or wisdom, so they are weighty. Just as people are influenced by a person’s actions, they are always affected by someone’s words. Everyone can attest to physical wounds healing a lot quicker than emotional ones that come from verbal abuse or words negatively spoken over us. It hurts when mean things are said from someone closest to you. Yet nowadays, you can even be affected by opinions of people you do not even know, nor do they know you. Social media has positives that come with the negatives, like anything else, so we should try to be different and a good influence instead. Proverbs 12:18 tells us that, “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Many people voice their negative views and opinions, so why not be one who watches your words and lives an encouraging life!
There is worldly wisdom (2 Corinthians 1:12) and heavenly wisdom. For one you seek the world for approval and guidance, while the other you seek God for approval and guidance. One leaves you discouraged, and one leaves you encouraged! One of the most, if not THE most influential person in history to live on this earth, is Jesus! He is the Son of God who is “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14). You see, God is even known for His Word! His words have outlived everything, for as His Word reads, “The grass withers, the flowers fades, but the word of our God will stand forever”(Isaiah 40:8).
God’s Word is known to bring hope (Romans 15:13), encouragement (Romans 15:5), and life (John 14:6)!
The words that God has spoken prove His love and intentionality, as He is faithful to His Word! Jeremiah 1:12 tells us that the Lord said, “..I am watching over my word to perform it.” God always delivers on His promises, and He cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18)! Hebrews 4:12-13 gives us insight into what the Word of God does. The Word reads, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” I want to note that I will further explain what it means to “give account” for your words as you read on. For now, I have a follow up question to you reading these verses.
If people’s words can hurt others so deeply, how much more do you think God’s Word can correct yet uplift and give life to our souls?
God overwhelms all the hurt we experience, whether physical or emotional. He sees and knows who we really are, deep down inside, while speaking truth over us! Knowing God and His Word motivates us to find better ways to be known and loved by others. As you begin to reflect and believe what He says, you will change how you speak to others. Then, you will find true friends who love and support you for who you are, not for what you look like or what you have. You will attract the right people by being kind and encouraging with your words. James chapter three talks about the importance of how you use, and tame, your tongue. The chapter explains how it is the hardest thing to control. Verses 7-9 explain it in this way, “For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are mind in the likeness of God.” Social media has contributed to people being more vocal about their judgements towards others, both online and in person. The verses that you just read should lead a person to reflect on their own participation in this matter. It is a big eye opener to the importance of being intentional about what you say. This applies to what you say about God, others, and yourself as well. In Matthew 12:36-37 Jesus, Himself, warns us that “..on the day of judgment of people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Now, I include this verse not to scare you about being condemned, for there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). This verse is to remind you of the gravity of connecting to heavenly guidance, or wisdom, when speaking. Proverbs, the book on wisdom, expands on the importance and benefits of speaking in an encouraging and thoughtful way as well! Proverbs 16:24 states how, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” This describes what God’s Word is like, and this is what our words should reflect! When others attack us with negative and judgmental views or opinions, remember that they one day they will be judged for what they say against you.
Therefore, learn to cling to God’s Word and believe what He says about you more than anything else you read or hear! His Word is the best type of healing that cuts straight to your bones and overcomes all lies. His truth cuts right through all of the false things that are said and believed. Let the Word of God uplift you, and then you can do the same for others! Words are personal. They are meant to be intentional and should be paired with love, wisdom, patience, and encouragement. Therefore, while others words may hurt you, remember to find healing in God’s faithful and most influential words! Lastly, use your words to reflect Him both online and in person. As you begin to be known for your heart for God, and the words you speak more than anything else, you will be a positive influence to all those around you!
