Have you ever stopped to think about the words you use every day? Our words have the power to shape our reality and influence our lives in profound ways. This morning, I read a piece entitled "Speak Excellent Things" by Joyce Meyer, and it resonated deeply with me.
1 Peter 3:10 says, "For, 'Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.'" This verse is a powerful reminder for me as I start my week. How often do we begin our week with negative thoughts or actions? When our week starts with a tough meeting, a challenging conversation, or a poor attitude in general, we can change our outcome by changing our words.
The Power of Words
I used to be quite careless with my words. I would often speak without thinking, letting negativity slip into my conversations without even realizing it. Sometimes, I still do. My words often depend on how well I "Wake Up & Win," as my coach Chad Willardson teaches. If I start my day with my three intentions, my words are much more positive in all my interactions.
For me, my first three activities of the day are:
Write a letter to God and study His word (45-60 minutes).
Work out (60 minutes).
Record and report my stats (food and exercise) from the previous day.
Words Shape Reality
Our words have the ability to create and destroy. Positive words can uplift, encourage, and inspire hope, while negative words can discourage, tear down, and foster hopelessness. Proverbs 18:21 states, "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." This verse encapsulates the idea that our speech can either bring life or death into our circumstances.
Replacing Negative Words
Today, I am making a conscious effort to replace negative words with positive ones. Instead of saying, "This is too hard," I will say, "This is a challenge I can overcome." Instead of thinking, "I'm not good enough," I will remind myself, "I am constantly improving." These small changes in my language lead to significant shifts in my perspective and attitude.
Surrounding Myself with Positivity
The environment we immerse ourselves in plays a crucial role in shaping our language and thoughts. I surround myself with positive influences—uplifting music, inspiring books, and supportive friends and family. A positive environment reinforces my commitment to using positive speech.
Conclusion
I encourage you to start today. Take a week to consciously practice positive speech and journal about the changes you observe in your life. You might be surprised by the impact of this simple yet powerful practice.
Let’s remember the words of Colossians 4:6: "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." By choosing our words wisely, we can create a life filled with grace, positivity, and fulfillment.
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