Jen’s Gem: Speak life over your life.
This week, my sister gifted me with two new handbags and several pairs of shoes she no longer wanted. When I tell you that I was like a kid in a candy store seeing the boxes at my doorstep, I tell no lie. Parcels upon parcels arrive at my neighbor’s doors, bringing out the green-eyed monster.
Transferring my belongings from my old purse to the new brought such a smile to my face. I have been searching for a new handbag forever. Too big. Too small. Too expensive. Too many compartments. I compromised a few times, which is why you’ll see my collection of bags for sale on Facebook Marketplace right now. (Please buy them!)
As I tried on the new shoes, each fit like a glove. I imagined the places I’d go wearing each of them. I’m currently in the process of updating my wardrobe and these new accessories are welcome additions.
I don’t think it’s an accident that at the same time I am updating my outside that my insides are also getting a makeover. Of course, my insides have been a work in progress for what feels like decades, with the most work being done in the last five or six years. Self-examination is a good thing so that we continue to grow. Painful at times, but good for the soul.
Facing the good, bad, and ugly about yourself helps you to become the best version of you, the “you” God intended you to be when He created you. Remember, God didn’t make you to be a mess. The world did that to all of us. And maybe, we even had a part in it as well.
One of the trendy phrases people are spouting out – mostly young people – is “I’m dead.” It’s a slang term used to indicate that something is funny. The other day my daughter texted this to me after I sent her a funny meme. I told her to stop saying this phrase, to which she responded with an “ok Mom.” Behind the scenes, I could see the eye roll and a “My Mom is so out of touch.”
Yet I explained to her how important her words were and how they create your life, especially any words spoken after “I am.” I explained to her that no one ever taught me this important life concept and so my words created a life that at times was not ideal. I told her I wanted better for her.
Perhaps because I’m a freelance writer, my radar goes up when I hear or see words that are grammatically incorrect or harsh. Words are power so speaking the right ones is the key to our peace and creating the life we want here on planet Earth.
The Bible speaks a lot about the power of your words. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21 NKJV) I’ve likely written about it a lot as well mostly because this has been a work in progress for me and one of the toughest things to change about myself.
My quick wit and self-deprecating sense of humor garner a chuckle or two from those within earshot and seeing people laugh brings me joy. (If I had the gumption and much thicker skin, I might’ve made a decent stand-up comic.) Yet these quips, funny as they are, do not speak life over me. Much like the “I’m dead” phrase my daughter tosses about.
You see, I can change my wardrobe, my accessories, and my physical appearance on the outside pretty easily. But if it’s only covering a hot mess on the inside, then where’s the victory? Where’s the life God promised me as a believer in Him and His Son? Well, it’s in the closet. Hidden. Dark.
Jesus never once spoke death over Himself. Not once in the Bible do we read about Him saying things like “I’m sick. I’m a terrible person. I’m not worthy. I’ll never amount to anything.” Not once. Jesus spoke what He heard His Father say. (John 8:38 NKJV) This should be our example as well. Speak what God says about us, not the world.
The world will tell you you’re a failure if you’re not making a million dollars or wearing the latest fashion. The world will tell you that you’re not good enough. The world will tell you that you’re sick or you’ll never find that dream job or get out of debt. It’s time to replace what the world says about you with what God says about you.
“I am the head and not the tail.” (Deuteronomy 28:13 NKJV)
“I am an overcomer in Christ.” (1 John 5:4 NKJV)
“I am alive with Christ.” (Ephesians 2:5 NKJV)
Now call me crazy but I’m thinking words like these are much better than “I’m dead.” Don’t you? Here’s the lesson – watch your words. Ask God to put a guard over your mouth as you begin each day so flippant, life-draining phrases don’t pop out your mouth, hurting yourself and likely hurting the listener.
You can replace your outsides but until you replace what’s inside, you’ll never see the victory God promised you.
May the grace of Jesus Christ, May the love of the Father, May the power of the Holy Spirit bless you this week as you seek to continue to live for Him. May He bless you in every area of your life. Amen!