Words That {Can} Change The World!

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God." John 1:1

"All THINGS were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made." John 1:3 

Words have great power and can have an eternal impact.

Jesus Christ spoke, and the world was made.  Psalms 33:9

He spoke, and mankind was created in His image. Genesis 1:26-27

Christ created All Things. He was and is the Word. Let us speak the words of Christ.

We should choose our words carefully, especially the words we (ourselves) use and the words we allow within our homes.

Words are THINGS.

The scriptures, which are His words warn us: 

• to touch no unclean thing. Isaiah 52:11
• that no unclean thing should pollute ours or the Lord's house. D&C 109:20
• that no unclean thing can dwell with God. 1 Nephi 10:21
• that no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven. Alma 11:37

The scriptures tell us why we should feast upon, speak & listen to the words of Christ:

• they will tell us all things that we need to do. 2 Nephi 32:3
• they teach all men to do good. 2 Nephi 33:10
• shall lead us to a land of promise. Alma 37: 45
• to know all the marvelous works of Christ. 3 Nephi 28: 33
• to call the sinners to repentance. Moroni 8:8

How do we speak TO others and ourselves? How do we speak ABOUT others and ourselves?

We have the power to speak the words of Christ, which are full of grace & truth and include faith, hope and charity. Our words also have the potential to destroy, demean, discriminate and de-humanize. Our words can be portrayed on either end of the spectrum by the context, tone and choice in which we use them.

We are also influenced positively and/or negatively by the words of others. I love all kinds of music, but i have to be careful not just in the words i speak, but also by the words/lyrics i allow in my mind and heart. Dr. Maya Angelou said this about words,

"Words have the power to seep into everything around us. I think they get on the walls, they get in our wallpaper, they get in our rugs and our upholstery and our clothes."

Of course, i would add that they also seep into our modern day electronics and quite frankly, our very souls.

We are commanded to be perfect, but we know we won't attain full perfection in this life.

"It may appear strange to some of you, and it certainly does to the world, to say it is possible for a man or woman to become perfect on this earth. It is written, 'Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.' (3 Nephi 12:48) 'If any man offend not in WORD, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.' (James 3:2) When we are doing as well as we know how in the sphere and station which we occupy here, we are justified in justice, righteousness, mercy, and judgment that go before the Lord of heaven and earth. We are as justified as the angels who are before the throne of God." ~Elder David A. Bednar 

We can however, be perfect in words. We decide how and what words will come out of our mouths. The more we perfect our speech, the closer we are to Christ.

"When we use the term perfection, it applies to man in his present condition, as well as to heavenly beings. We are now, or may be, as perfect in our sphere as God and angels are in theirs, but the greatest intelligence in existence can continually ascend to greater heights of perfection." ~Discourses of Brigham Young, 89

I also love this quote by Joseph Smith. It confirms to me that as we get closer to Christ, just by our words, then our minds are enlightened and our understanding increases. Line upon line, precept upon precept.

"We consider that God created man with a mind capable of instruction, and a faculty which may be enlarged in proportion to the heed and diligence given to the light communicated from heaven to the intellect; and that the nearer man approaches perfection, the clearer are his views, and the greater his enjoyments, till he has overcome the evils of his life and lost every desire for sin; and like the ancients, arrives at that point of faith where he is wrapped in the power and glory of his Maker, and is caught up to dwell with Him." ~Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 2:8

I love listening to my husband, Justin greet and reply to people. We go through a security gate to get off and on post here at Fort Riley quite a bit. The question he is asked most often is, "How are you doing, sir?" Justin always responds with, "Outstanding!" and "Another beautiful night/day!" I love, love, love seeing their reactions! They stand a little taller, often times smile and for sure feel edified! Words are powerful. Another phrase he uses, and i usually roll my eyes at this one, but i have to admit it's funny! When we're together and the need arises for him to say, "Oh, i'm sorry" or "Excuse me," to a female, the response by her is almost always, "You're fine." He quickly shoots back with these words, "Why thank you, that's what my wife always tells me!" I just smile and wave, because at this point she is blushing and unsure of what i might do! It always brings a smile and some enthusiasm to our everyday interactions with people!

Now, a couple more things before i'm done here...(I know i'm getting a little wordy!)

I'm always encouraging my children to use wholesome and uplifting words here at home. It's a BIG deal here. I know their words and the spirit of those words will carry out into their daily worlds. I encourage them daily to find somebody to compliment or uplift with their words. It has become a Hall tradition. When my children need a little course correction (which happens), we have them do what we call, "Love Talk." They are to exchange words to each other that are edifying and loving. They can do this verbally or written.  I am grateful that for the most part they are good to each other. It's good to be reminded.

I also encourage my children to read, write and speak their own affirmations. I am also BIG on affirmations. What we say to ourselves (in our heads or out loud) can set a precedence for the whole day. Remember... line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. Here are some words that i strive to read often, and live by. MY MISSION STATEMENT, which is a compilation of affirmations, along with our FAMILY MISSION STATEMENT, FAMILY PROCLAMATION, THE LIVING CHRIST (which we have mostly memorized), and a special blessing called a PATRIARCHAL BLESSING.

I will share with you part of my mission statement (It's long with a front and back side). These are things that i want to become, eventually! So speaking these words into existence is key! Maybe this will help you know how to start one.

I kiss today with gratitude...so blessed to be alive! My life does have meaning, purpose and direction. I choose to fully seek Heavenly Father's guidance. I choose to speak and think positively to myself and about myself. I am physically, mentally and spiritually healthy. I will eliminate hatred, envy, jealousy, selfishness, and cynicism by developing love for all of God's children. I will overcome any fears that I encounter. I will keep my thoughts heavenward, and forever seek a clear understanding of who I am and what I was sent here to accomplish. With daily sincere prayer and meditation, I will obtain many Christ-like attributes such as being compassionate, courageous, creative, faithful, genuine, grateful, happy, helpful, humble, loyal, reflective, resilient, teachable, time-wise, trustworthy and virtuous. I am a person of integrity. I have self-confidence, self-discipline, and self-respect. I am a person that dreams, edifies, encourages, listens, loves and serves in all my words, thoughts and deeds. I am a patient mother, an inspiring friend and an amazing wife. I am a person of vision. I believe miracles can and do happen to me. I love life and learning. I hunger for knowledge that builds valuable talents and skills. I have a countenance that exudes optimism and maintains characteristics of a champion. I will leave a legacy with the hopes of helping others fulfill their purpose here upon the earth. I know that with great abilities come great responsibilities. I know that I am a Child of God and have been endowed with those seeds of greatness. I rejoice in the blessings of the temple. I understand my divine destiny and continuously strive for exaltation!

The last words I want to share with you are in this beautiful talk entitled, The Tongue of Angels ," given by Jeffrey R. Holland (April 2007). It is my testimony that God lives, Christ lives and we are their 'mouth' pieces. What we say can bring souls unto Christ. Let it always be in harmony with the teachings of His divine gospel. I say these things (words), in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.