In the beginning, God spoke, and the world was created. His Word alone created the world we live in to this day. After creating the world, God created man and woman in His image (Genesis 1:27). He created us to resemble Him, to do the things He does. As His image-bearers, we have the power of God in our lives to do the things that He does.
We are creative because God first created. We exist because God exists. If God would somehow cease to exist, all of His creation would disappear as well. In the same way that God spoke and created the world, our words create worlds as well. The words we speak define the world around us.
When we speak kindness to another, we feel a little better about ourselves and the other person. We’ve created a world of happiness. Have you ever given thought to what power your words have? You can be having a terrible day, and a kind word from someone can turn it around completely. When you are feeling low, performing an act of kindness for someone not only lifts their spirits but yours as well. Our words create worlds every day. We create the small worlds within the larger world by the words we say.
Paul exhorted us to only speak words that will build up others (Ephesians 4:29). It’s obvious most of us either choose to ignore this instruction or have never taken the time to read God’s Word enough to discover that command was in there. For most people I know (and far too often it is true of myself), our words tear down rather than build up. We use our words to create a world of division and discouragement. Who wants to live in a place like that?
Here’s a challenge for you: for the next hour, just sixty minutes, only say words that build and lift others. Extra credit for doing the same with the words you think but don’t say. The words we don’t speak are as powerful as the ones we do. The words we think create our inner world, which will affect how we see the world around us. If you refrain from critical and destructive words for an hour, try to stretch it into two. Do this challenge every day until you can stretch it into going all day without tearing anyone down with your words. The more you practice, the easier it will become.
Our words create worlds. Decide what kind of world you want to live in and choose your words accordingly. If you want to live in a world that looks like the Kingdom of God here on earth, you’re going to have to speak words of love, kindness, healing, and forgiveness. These things are lacking in the world at large, and the only way we change that is by creating smaller worlds within the larger one that will then join together until they overtake the bitterness and evil.
We may not be able to change the whole world, but we can all change the world around us. As the image-bearers of God, we have the power to create a world by the words we speak. It’s up to us what that world will look like. We can create as God did, to glorify Him, or we can create something to glorify ourselves. The right choice is obvious. Our words should create a world that glorifies the ultimate Creator. Our lives are meant to glorify Him. Everything we do must be for His glory. Be careful with your words. They are creating the world you desire in the depths of your heart.