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What Kind of World Are You Creating?

March 05, 2020
By Brian Fitzgerald

Consider this quote (often attributed to the Jewish philosopher Abraham Heschel): “Words create worlds.” We probably have no idea how much power our words carry. But do they create worlds? If human beings bear the image of God who created the universe primarily through words, then it’s likely that our words too, whether we like it or not, have a creating power. If the words we use and the tone and timing of those words are the indicators for the kinds of worlds we are creating, then what kind of world are we creating?

In their book I’ll Push You, Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck (co-founders of Push Inc.) say, “The words we use color the world around us. What colors are you using to paint your world?” If the words you use were colors on a canvas, what would that canvas look like? Better still, if your words were colors on someone else’s canvas, what colors would you be painting on them?

What kind of world are you creating in your workplace? What kind of world are you creating in your marriage? What kind of world are you creating in your home? What kind of world are you creating in your local church? What kind of world are you creating on social media? What kind of world are you creating?

Jesus said that what proceeds from our mouths comes from what’s in our hearts (Matthew 15:18). So, if our words are harsh, complaining, critical, crude, etc., then that’s really an issue of our hearts. The great hope that we have as followers of Jesus is that He’s in the business of transforming our hearts, which means that our words will follow. As Jesus’ people, with transformed hearts, we will be people who create beautiful, life-giving worlds in every sphere of life to which He has called us.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.”  – Psalm 19:14

TAMMY PERSINGER says:
March 06, 2020 07:56 AM CST
Great reminder!

Julie Reid says:
March 06, 2020 01:55 PM CST
Brian, thank you so much for this well written article/teaching. I really connect to the analogy of “painting” with our words as referenced in the book you mentioned. I truly believe in the power of words to speak forth life or death.