In a World of Words

This article has been a long time in the making.

Words…we use them every day.

It is one thing to offer up words of encouragement only later to use those same words to discourage another. This is often a product of our cynical society. I am sure these words may find themselves heavy on the toes of many who view this blog and admittedly…even this author. In as little as a few seconds we can go from the encourager to the discourager.

On this blog we used many words for the same purpose; to teach, encourage and build someone up. I am often reminded of a song by the Gaither Vocal Band; “Something to Say”

Now I’ve heard some talkers, and I’ve heard some teachers,
I’ve heard some poets, and I’ve heard some preachers,
I’ve sung along with some pretty good singers,
and I’ve been in churches where the sweet Spirit lingers,

But you’ve never lived till the words become the truth,
till forgiveness and mercy mean something to you,
and you’ve never cried, till the tears come from faith,
you’ve never lived till you have something to say,

Words are a mystery we say them so freely,
some can bring heartache, some can bring healing,
sometimes we’re broken, sometimes it’s demanding,
sometimes we just go through it to find understanding,

No, you’ve never cried, till the tears come from faith,
you’ve never lived till you have something to say.

We all can relate to the content of this song in one way or another; some talkers, teachers, preachers, good singers, but my… what about those where the sweet spirit lingers. That is the crowd I want to hang with! I’m sure most of the contributors to this site are of the encouraging kind.

However, I would like to aim this toward those hit and miss readers who occasional visit this site in search of something to discredit the validity of our content, or to diminish the integrity of Leadership Voices. I have something to say to those who are of the “hate and discontent” mindset, if you will.

What may be shocking to you is, how easy it is to discourage someone.

Surprisingly…it takes NO skill at all, and, it is the folly of fools. Discouragement often comes easy disguised as good, and without much thought. Such words never hit so hard till they come home to haunt you, till they have become the truth to you or the folks you love.

Encouragement on the other hand has the opposite effect. The right words spoken at the right time can bring healing to a damaged relationship, healing to a hurting family, healing to a destroyed marriage, and yes…strength to endure life’s often brutal hardships.

One of my favorite scriptures is found in Isaiah 50:4;

The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.

According to the First Amendment to the Constitution, I am given the “right” to free speech. However while pondering the above referenced scripture, I don’t think that right is advisable to not only Leaders but followers of Christ. For, Proverbs 15:23 states;

“A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word”!

Consider for yourself what you would like to be, and Encourager that offers up a delightful word, or one that has a caustic tongue that spews hate and discontent.

I have “Something to Say”, be the encourager God intended you to be, rise up above all the trivial matters that hinder you, binds you, burdens you, and causes you to be a discourager. See the greater picture… you are but just a small portion of a larger picture created by a loving God, who loves you so greatly that he will allow you to make your own choices, then reap the consequences of those choices.

Quality leaders take time to listen, use precious time digesting what they’ve heard, maybe even sleep a night or two on what they’ve heard. Then with wisdom, gentleness, meekness and kindness offer words in the best possible method according to situational circumstances.

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. – James 1:19
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. – Hebrews 3:13

Be careful of the words you speak…someone just may be listening. Once the toothpaste leaves the tube…good luck trying to put it “all” back in.