Words are funny things.

They have the ability to change the direction of a day, a life or maybe even the world as we know it.

Yet, for some reason, I find it easy to underestimate them.

Sometimes I say them without thinking about the repercussions of their negative affect, or don’t say them and underestimate their ability to uplift and encourage those around me.

I guess I could probably use the excuse of being an introvert, or a Seattleite trying to let each person’s world turn in its own direction.

But if I was really honest, I think I could safely say it’s for one reason that I’ve casually written above: I underestimate them.

In other words: I don’t think.

In my opinion, it’s no accident that there are entire bible chapters dedicated to learning the art of controlling our words.

Our words have power, and God knew that when he inspired the biblical scriptures we read today.

In James, we can see a few comparisons of what our words can be looked at as, my favorite being the comparison to a spark.

See, a spark can be good or bad. Without fire the world we live in today would be a much different place.

Fire is not, in itself, a bad thing.

But placed in the wrong location, at the wrong time, it can cause a ridiculous amount of destruction to the beauty God intends for us to enjoy.

As brothers and sisters in Christ we are called to uplift, encourage, speak life over and build up those around us.

Sometimes it’s easier to say the first thing that pops in our minds, or not say anything at all.

But I know God challenges us to more.

And for me, it’s simply this: To seek him FIRST and speak SECOND.

It’s an ongoing battle, and one I don’t know that I’ll ever fully master.

But there is hope in the certainty that Christ has called me to strive for it.

And that, by his direction, my words have the ability to carry a flame filled with life everlasting.

“Words are only painted fire…” -Mark Twain

– Emilee Morehouse

Communications/Social Media Intern