Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit
Proverbs 18:21 NKJV
Let’s look at scripture in The Passion Translation:
Your words are so powerful that they will kill or give life, and the talkative person will reap the consequences.
Proverbs 18:21 TPT
I am using Christ Be Magnified for our example:
So let’s dive into the Bridge of the song.
“I won’t bow down to idols, I’ll stand strong and worship You”IDOLS: TV, Phone, Social Media, Materialism, Celebrities, etc. Anything that takes precedence over what the Lord’s position should be in your life. This is a statement. When you sing this, your words hold power and the expectation is that we would die to self and all things that gratify self in order to worship the Lord. Do you mean this? Read Galatians 2:20
“And if it puts me in the fire, I’ll rejoice ’cause You’re there too”Are you really willing to be put into the fire for worshipping the Lord? Can you take the heat? When it does get hot and uncomfortable, will you celebrate it or will you complain and ask the Lord why you? Read the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and AbedNego in Daniel Chapter 3:8-30
“I won’t be formed by feelings, I hold fast to what is true”
Are you going to be led by your feelings or by the Spirit? Will you push your feelings aside and love those that have hurt you? Can you turn the other cheek? Can you declare love for everyone and the truth that we are all God’s creation and we need to be the hands and feet of Jesus, or does that just apply to people who rub you the right way?
“If the cross brings transformation then I’ll be crucified with You”
This right here is deep. Are you willing to sacrifice your flesh for transformation to look more like Jesus? Persecution, judgment, isolation at times because you’re set apart and don’t look like the world? Is that too lonely for you or can you find your comfort and rest in Christ? Read Jeremiah 17:9
“‘Cause death is just the doorway into resurrection life”This is a line of truth. The Word says in John 12:25 “He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” I believe this is figurative and literal. When you die to self you become more like Christ and ultimately truly start living with the fruit of His spirit. When we depart this earth in death as Christ Followers, we walk into eternal life with the Father. Read Romans 6:5
“And if I join You in Your suffering, then I’ll join You when You rise”
Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”
“And when You return in glory with all the angels and the saints, My heart will still be singing, my song will be the same”
Never lose sight of the lyrics that matter most, those that are in your heart. Your personal song and worship to Jesus is a sweet aroma. He loves your personal worship and I believe he honors the truth in which you worship him. What I mean by this is that I personally believe He prefers you to be silent regarding certain lyrics if you know you don’t actually mean what you say. Don’t get caught up in religious activity by just performing to fit in. Sing what you mean and the leave the rest until you are ready to walk in what you say. And, if you are not ready to walk in certain things you say but want to brave them anyway because you need a little push, then sing your heart out! It worked for me haha and my subconscious bravery and naivety to what I was saying changed my life for the better. I used this song as an example. There are so many others out there, “Refiner” by Maverick City is one of them that can really open the doors for refinement and purification in your life. If you want to sing of course you should sing; but, I felt this was necessary for us all, including myself, so that we understand the power that our words hold-whether we mean them or not. When the Lord says there is power of life and death in our tongue, he doesn’t include or put a disclaimer that this only applies if our intentions also line up with what we say. Do remember the power is in our WORDS, not our thoughts. But let me add my disclaimer: Our beliefs shape our thoughts and our thoughts influence and determine our words… So it’s a lot deeper than just just about what we say as well… This is why we should frequently ask the Lord to search our hearts and purify them so that our mind can be renewed and our words can spring for edification and life within ourselves and those around us. I hope you are encouraged to be more intentional with your words, through worship and deed, and choose to speak life over yourself and those around you. May we all check our hearts and edify each other as we continue to grow in Christ.
