Words

171,476 words

The Second Edition of the 20-volume Oxford English Dictionary contains full entries for 171,476 words in current use, and 47,156 obsolete words. To this may be added around 9,500 derivative words included as subentries.

That is a lot of words. My vocabulary isn’t anywhere near that, how about yours? So with the words I use, I need to be particular about which ones and how I use them. This is an issue that we should all consider.

Matthew 12:36

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,

Matthew 12:37

For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Psalm 141:3

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!

But do I consider it? Am I intentional with my words? Am I using my words to build someone up or to tear them down? Am I using my words constructively or destructively? Am I using my words as the Lord would desire for me to or am I going completely against His will?

If asked, “Are you obedient to the will of God?”. I would like to say with an absolute boldness, “YES!”. But if I’m real with myself, I’d have to say “Sometimes”.

From the study books of Dann Spader, author of The 4 Chair Discipling, he says that obedience is God’s love language. When we obey Him, we are showing Him love and honor. Jesus made it clear that He did only what pleased His Father.

As in John 12:49 “For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken”

Am I building up or tearing down? In the form of verbal attack face to face, just complaining to others out of insecurities or pride or out right gossip, the words I might use are definitely not in obedience with my Lord. Those are words that He has put into my mouth.

So am I seeking to please my Father with my words?

Lord be with me when I’m choosing my words. Help me to only build up. I want to be in obedience to you and allow you to guide me in my relationships. Help me to walk in the steps of Jesus, following His example. I am grateful for You! Amen!

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