In meekness the servant of the Lord should instruct those who oppose themselves.
(2 Timothy 2:25)
How might those of us in Jesus oppose ourselves?
- With our words
- With a lack of knowledge of God’s character
- With our thoughts
- With our sins and unrighteousness
- With our passivity
- With our actions
Let’s look at how our words oppose ourselves. The Kingdom of God is voice activated. Words matter. Words create. All of what we know of heaven and earth began with a word from God.
God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. (Genesis 1)
Throughout all of chapter one of Genesis God speaks and things are. Light, sky, dry land, seas, plants and trees — the Sun, Moon and stars — creatures that live in the sea and creatures that fly.
Our words also create: ideas, concepts, stories … our words inspire, encourage, renew hope. But our words also can dull eyes, ears, and hearts, discourage, and destroy life. In writing, in our work, the words we speak reflect what we expect to happen.
The woman with an issue of blood said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. (Mark 5:28)
Blind Bartimaeus cried out, “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.” (Luke.18:38)
A man with leprosy came to Jesus and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” (Mark 1:40-45)
Our words spoken aloud and silently make us whole, give us sight, cleanse us of all unrighteousness when the focus of our faith is in Jesus.
A popular commercial asks: “What’s in your wallet.” Perhaps it’s time we ask: “What’s in my heart?”
Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (Matthew 12:34)
Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of your heart flow the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23)
“The Spirit gives life. The flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.” – Jesus (John 6:63)
The next time someone pays you a compliment, do not say, “Oh, it was nothing.” Our actions are something. They spring from our heart. And if we are filled with the Spirit of Jesus, life is in our words.
If you believe your books, your writing, your blog, your talks, sermons, conversations with others are of value, declare it to yourself. Accept compliments from others. Rejoice and praise Jesus when you win awards, receive a positive review, receive a book contract.
Work with God. Work with yourself. When we do this, our work will prosper.