As Christians the word is our greatest weapon. The bible says that the power of life and death is in the word, but often we forget how powerful words can be. I cringe when I hear a pastor speak for forty five minutes and only have ten minutes worth of content. Not that the other words were wrong, they were just not needed. We should choose our words carefully and deliver our message efficiently. We need to know our content and be able to confidently express it according to the situation. For example, a person that is unchurched, will not understand “churchy” lingo and if you use the “churchy” words you need to be able to explain what the words mean. During the vocabulary lesson you may lose the opportunity to successfully communicate the gospel. If your audience consists mostly of educated christians you can save time by using the “churchy” words and ideas.
May we be fast and accurate. Fast does not mean we have to be messy, we have to try above all to communicate exactly what God would have us say in the most efficient way possible. In today’s age of fast action entertainment we have a limited window in the lives of those around us, we need to take advantage of the time we are given. Part of respecting the time we have is using words wisely, choose your words carefully, practice them, know how to have a conversation about them. Accuracy involves not only being factual, but being on target and in context, we have all been in the audience when someone that means well goes off on a tangent. When you lose track of where you were, you lose attention.
It’s all about word choice. We are ambassadors of the Living God, not peddlers of a cheap religion. We are anointed to proclaim truth. There is no need or reason to burden people with long sermons or lengthy essays. As a Christian called to leadership here are some basic concepts that have been revealed to me:
- Time is expensive. Use the time we have with people wisely, for it is fleeting.
- Wordiness is expensive, we don’t have a long window in a person’s life before we either run out of time or they tune us out.
- Use Christian jargon only when you can afford the time to explain.
- Avoid buzzwords.
- Repetition for the sake of making a point is ok, redundancy is never ok.
- Use simple diction.
- Make sure you are in context.
- Strong nouns and verbs > strong adjectives.
- Strive to inform people not impress them.
- Avoid clichés.
- Familiar > fanciful
- Concrete > abstract
- Single word > rhetoric
- Short word > long word
The Bible says to let our words be few, and to be bold. I encourage you to speak the truth, and to speak it with authority. We are instructed in The Word to be ready to share our faith, practice is needed to share effectively. While we don’t have to be perfect we do have to prepare. If you haven’t yet, start preparing now to give your testimony and share your faith, every christian is called to do this not just leaders. When you do share, remember; word choice counts.
Here are a few verses of the Bible dealing with words:
Power of Words
- The universe begins by the word of God. Hebrews 11:3
- Life and death are in the power of words. Proverbs 18:21
Purpose of Words
- We are to use words to edify. Ephesians 4:29
- Words should be used to teach, correct ,and train. 2 Timothy 3:16
- Be prepared share your faith. 1 Peter 3:15
- Words are used to heal. Proverbs 12:18
Misuse of Words
- Don’t corrupt. Ephesians 4:29
- Words can hurt deeply. Proverbs 12:18
- More words = less meaning. Ecclesiastes 5:2
- Words are an overflow of the heart. Matthew 12:34-35
- We will account for our words and be judged by them. Matthew 12:36-37
- Words set the direction of your life. James 3:3-4
- Let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2
How to use words
- Be full of grace and flavor. Colossians 4:6
- Speak truth. Ephesians 4:25
- Be saved. Romans 10:9
- Testify. Romans 10:10
- Moderate your words. James 3
- Use words with restraint. Proverbs 17:27
- Speak with authority. Acts 4:31
- Be bold, as did Paul. Acts 28:31
- Be bold. 1 Peter 4:11