Simply Powerful

"I opposed (many things), but never by force. I simply taught, preached, and wrote God's Word; otherwise I did nothing. And then while I slept or drank Wittenberg beer with my friend Philip ... (the Word worked) ... never a prince or emperor did such damage. I did nothing. The Word did it all."

Martin Luther

I remember being taught, at a young age, that the pen was mightier than the sword. Honestly, it was hard for me to believe. How could an implement of scholars & students surpass the weapon of a warrior?

And then I grew up.

I discovered that, throughout history, words have toppled nations, inspired armies, and propelled movements. Like many of you, I have experienced the devastation of harsh condemnation, the soothing comfort of gentle encouragement, and the arresting honesty of a timely rebuke. The "innocent" childhood chant, "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names can never hurt me", was unmasked as a dangerous deception. 

Yes, words are powerful.

But ... it gets even better!

The Bible says that though words are unbelievably powerful ('The tongue has the power of life & death', Proverbs 18.21), there is one "word" whose power surpasses all other words. 

• This "word" can not only topple nations, it can invade & conquer hearts (2 Timothy 3. 14-17; Psalm 19. 7-9). 
• This "word" can not only change thoughts, it can transform motivations, passions, and desires (1 Peter 1.22-25). 
• This "word" can not only enable us to understand the world, but it actually understands us! Like a mirror, it reflects back to us an accurate self-portrait (see James 1. 22-25).

This "word" is the Word of God.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4. 12-13

This is why the goal of any preacher or teacher of God's Word, any Bible study leader, any discipler or mentor or counselor, any parent or spouse or friend is ... to unleash the Word of God.  To draw people's gaze back to God's Word. To focus their attention on the living Word of God. 

This goes beyond merely inspiring people with Christian slogans. This is more than dishing out pop psychology with some Christian phrases added for flavor. This is light years away from sharing our thoughts & experiences and hoping they "work."

After people spend time with you, or your ministry, what do they remember - your words and thoughts, or God's Word and His thoughts?

God's Word. Simply powerful.