Continuing our series on ‘The Dynamics of Authority,’ today we explore the remarkable power of our words and how they unleash the authority within us, empowering us to live the life we were destined to live as children of God. True and effective authority begins with knowledge, and the lack, thereof, leads to destruction (Hosea 4:6). This is why Romans 6:16 asks: ‘Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?’ We become slaves to whatever or whomever we have yielded to – yielding to God’s Word and His Spirit leads to eternal life in Christ Jesus, whilst yielding to Satan leads unto death (Romans 6:23; John 10:10-11).
Every decision to yield our authority carries significant consequences, both in the physical and spiritual realms. So, in His infinite wisdom and love, God cautions us against certain actions due to the spiritual implications thereof. Our words, in particular, hold tremendous power, as highlighted in Proverbs 18:21 – ‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.’ Speaking is a direct exercise of our authority; what we confess with our mouths shapes our reality. This is why the Apostle James urges us to tame our tongues, because ‘if anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body’ (James 3:2). We should never allow our tongues to run unchecked, speaking without restraint – let us not allow anger or a rash temper to dictate our utterance. Instead, we must diligently guard against negative words that can unwittingly activate demonic influences. We must learn to harness our emotions, so that we don’t speak hastily and regret our words later, because we will give an account for every idle word on the day of judgment (Matthew 12:36) – such is the gravity of our speech! Words carry spiritual weight: uttering negativity grants access to evil spirits, but confessing the Word of God invites the Holy Spirit to move freely in our lives. So refuse to speak negative self-talk, and reject any harmful words spoken over you! Keep God’s Word on your lips (Joshua 1:8), allowing His truth to shape your daily confession.
This also then means that we must refrain from speaking impulsively, and ensure that our speech aligns at all times to the Word of God. James 1:20 reminds us that ‘the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.’ So if the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God, then what does it achieve? (remember Romans 6:16 – it worketh sin unto death). The consciousness of sin brings death, but the consciousness of righteousness brings life and joy. It is therefore absolutely crucial for us to remain conscious of our righteousness in Christ, even in the face of spiritual opposition. 1 Peter 5:8 instructs us: ‘Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.’ Soberness gives us the right perspective; it is essential for making the right judgments, choosing the right words, and waging effective spiritual warfare. Moreover, vigilance allows us to know our adversary and his tactics, understanding which principle to apply in each situation we find ourselves in. And if you err in speech, correct your words quickly – don’t let them simmer in the atmosphere. Your words carry authority and have the power to shape your life and the lives of those around you. So speak life, speak the Word of God, and enforce your authority!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the authority You have given us in Christ and the wisdom to exercise it effectively. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for empowering us to tame our tongues and teaching us to always speak life and declare Your truth, no matter what comes our way. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
