Before the late 1950s, the island of Cozumel, Mexico, was little more than a fishing village surrounded by Mayan ruins. Historians believe the Mayans settled there sometime in the first century AD. For nearly 2,000 years, there was little more to Mexico’s largest island than its ancient artifacts.
All that changed in 1959 when French ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau declared the clear blue waters and coral reefs surrounding this Caribbean island as one of the best places in the world for scuba diving. The rest-as they say-is history. Today, the Island of Cozumel is a regular stop for thousands of cruise ship tourists, scuba enthusiasts, and snorkeling fans.
Talk about the weight of a person’s words! One man’s endorsement put a little-known Caribbean island on the map. Words can carry great power. Not only can they transform a tiny island, words also have the power to bring “death or life” to others (Proverbs 18:12).
A spiritual mentor of mine once talked about a comment his father made about him while he was a freshman in college. As a young student hoping to impress his father with all he was learning, he overheard his father say to his mother that he had a “sharp mind.” My mentor, who went on to get a Ph.D. and authored several helpful books, said, “I can’t tell you how many times my dad’s comment ‘he’s got a sharp mind’ strengthened me. During those moments in my schooling when I wasn’t sure if I was going to make the grade, the words of my father carried me through.” My friend had heard words of “encouragement” that kept him going (Ephesians 4:29).
What is the message of your words? (Proverbs 10:32). You have the power both to do build up and tear down. How are you using your power?
More:
Blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! (James 3:10).
Next:
How should you change the way you talk to others? What words do you need to use more? Less?
Eddy Oliver on April 21, 2009 at 12:18 pm
“JESUS came that we might have life and more abundantly. (Eternal) We need and it is mandatory we back up our words with actions that reflect CHRIST. Even if we were to hang from a Cross as HE did for US;’We are Commanded’ in 1st John4:20 To: love our Brothers or we are liars and according to Galations 5:19-21 and the 10 Comandments against Bearing False witness that we will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven if we should practice such things. If you can fathom that..It is so impossible for our filthy human nature to allow such a thing. We need to ‘Pray without ceasing’.1st Thessaloninas 16-18 and Bridle our Tongues.”
mike wittmer on April 21, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Thanks, Jeff. This makes me want to go out of my way to make someone’s day today. It doesn’t seem like words should have such power, but we all know that they do.
dianalovesjesus2 on April 24, 2009 at 11:06 am
Indeed they do have such power! “There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only for a moment. Prov12:18-19 My relationship with my father is, shall we say, turbulent?? I read this scripture…and put it on an index card by my phone. As my father has aged, I find myself in a more powerful place in our relationship….and it is now necessary to be very careful with what comes out of my mouth. I pray for the grace and wisdom before every conversation/meeting with him., that I will speak healing, grace, and light…and our Lord is faithful.