The Weight of Your Words: A Leader's Influence
2 Chronicles 32:8
With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
We do not always understand the significance and the power of words until at last we are in a place where a word is all we have to bank on! It is particularly important for leaders to understand this concept; never underestimate the weight of your words in the lives of those who are following your lead! I willingly admit that, even as a pastor, I am sometimes tempted by the enemy to wonder whether or not my words are having any effect. Yet, it is likely that someone somewhere in my life has rested themselves upon the words which I have spoken. This is a very humbling, yet sobering thought! It is therefore imperative that we as leaders speak only that which is founded upon the truth. The Word of God should be the source from which we offer guidance.
Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” We know then that our words shape our future and the future of those around us. Words plant seeds, seeds produce ideas, ideas form thoughts, thoughts form actions, and actions make history! Therefore, be careful what you speak, for it has the potential to bring life or death to any situation.
What about those around you? Do you speak truth to their benefit? It is no wonder that churches are closing their doors at an alarming rate, for there seems to be a lack of vision amongst the leaders of our churches today. If we feed people only negativity, pessimism, and doubt, then do not be surprised when they become negative, pessimistic, and doubtful about every proposition you make. You remedy this by offering hope and encouragement from the Word of God, thereby focusing on the solutions rather than focusing only upon the problems that persist.
If you speak as if there is no use trying, then the people will not try; but if you speak as if much can be accomplished, then people will rise to the occasion! Speak then according to the vision God has given you, and expect great things!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill
With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
We do not always understand the significance and the power of words until at last we are in a place where a word is all we have to bank on! It is particularly important for leaders to understand this concept; never underestimate the weight of your words in the lives of those who are following your lead! I willingly admit that, even as a pastor, I am sometimes tempted by the enemy to wonder whether or not my words are having any effect. Yet, it is likely that someone somewhere in my life has rested themselves upon the words which I have spoken. This is a very humbling, yet sobering thought! It is therefore imperative that we as leaders speak only that which is founded upon the truth. The Word of God should be the source from which we offer guidance.
Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” We know then that our words shape our future and the future of those around us. Words plant seeds, seeds produce ideas, ideas form thoughts, thoughts form actions, and actions make history! Therefore, be careful what you speak, for it has the potential to bring life or death to any situation.
What about those around you? Do you speak truth to their benefit? It is no wonder that churches are closing their doors at an alarming rate, for there seems to be a lack of vision amongst the leaders of our churches today. If we feed people only negativity, pessimism, and doubt, then do not be surprised when they become negative, pessimistic, and doubtful about every proposition you make. You remedy this by offering hope and encouragement from the Word of God, thereby focusing on the solutions rather than focusing only upon the problems that persist.
If you speak as if there is no use trying, then the people will not try; but if you speak as if much can be accomplished, then people will rise to the occasion! Speak then according to the vision God has given you, and expect great things!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill