The Power of Words

I love words.  Language.  Grammar.  All of it.  I am a lover of good grammar, and am always impressed by a person who displays a robust vocabulary.  There's just something about words, and language in general.  Words have power; to build or destroy; to encourage or humiliate; to love or to hate.  Unfortunately, the problem with words is that they can become quite twisted rather quickly.


Regarding words, James writes:

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.
(James 3:1-12 ESV)

While using the term "tongue," James is not limiting his concern to just the literal, physical tongue, but to the words we use, whether written or spoken.  Even those who do not identify themselves with the God of the Bible should be able to agree what James writes.  The words we use can be a great force, for either building or destroying.  We try to use our tongues to love and hate, all in the same breath, and this is nothing short of shameful (and I'm speaking to myself on this, as well).

The other day, I wrote about the recent hullabaloo surrounding the media's portrayal of Chik-fil-A.  In a (not-so) surprising turn of events, the whole thing has become even more absurd.  Long-time friends of children, The Berestain Bears, have announced their decision again CFA, and a whole slew of famous people (some more-so than others) have lashed out against the company.  Possibly the most vile was Roseanne Barr wishing cancer upon those who ate at CFA, then "apologizing," then saying that people quoting her are liars.  Without attempting to begin the whole parade again, I am merely trying to point out that words carry a powerful affect.  One man's words have sparked a media frenzy that has blown disturbingly out of proportion.

I believe that, as a whole, we have become flippant with our concern for the words we use, and are quick to engage in battles of semantics with anyone who opposes our view.  More often than not, certain words are quickly associated with other concepts and stigmas that were never meant to apply.  I've discussed previously my disdain for the current usage of "tolerance," but it doesn't end there.  "Disagree" is now defined as "hatred," apparently with both sides "disagreeing" with the other.  However, I believe Reformed theologian John Calvin said it best: I consider looseness with words no less of a defect than looseness of the bowels.  At some point, we have to learn the power of the words we use, and how to properly use them.

All of this brings me to my main point: #YOLO.  For those of you not "in the know," this hashtag* stands for "You Only Live Once," and in today's context, is most often displayed with accounts of debauchery, fornication, and anything else that falls under the category of "This could possibly ruin me."  Examples include: "Skinny dipping #YOLO" and "Just drunk called work #yolo."  The general premise is that since you only live once, make the most of it by doing everything you can, either good or bad.  Well, I may not not be able to fight #YOLO, but I can use the power of words to redeem it.

Here's the plan: point out the good things in life that are worth focusing on (Philippians 4:8), and share that.  So on my Twitter, I'm going to share about loving my family, helping others, or seeking Christ, and that is my YOLO.  And I invite you to do the same. Even if you don't share my theological beliefs, we can still make an impact with our words.  Showing kindness to a stranger?  YOLO.  Setting a good example?  YOLO.  Living a life of integrity?  YOLO.

Our time here on earth is not as long as we like to believe it is.  The things we say and the words we use can make a huge difference.  Let it be a positive one.  After all, you only live once.

*If you don't know what a hashtag is, then we need to have a completely different conversation.