Sticks and stones and words....

85% of all buying decisions are made on pure emotion. That is a stat that is permanently embedded in my brain. It was put there by one of my former bosses, John Zimmer. At one point in time I worked for the greatest broadcast company in the midwest, Zimmer Radio Group. During my time with the company, I learned many things that have helped me in business, on a personal level and it has greatly helped me in my ministry.

What I learned with Zimmer Radio is the importance of words. Words trigger an emotion in people to act. From buying the latest popular gadget to changing the political landscape. Words have an impact on our lives.

Think about some of the famous quotes over the past 10 to 15 years that have stirred emotion. In the early nineties, while people were rioting in the streets of L.A. because police officers were cleared of beating a man by the name of Rodney King, King himself spoke out and asked, "Can't we all get along?" During the O.J. Simpson trial, the prosecutors decided it would be a good idea to have Simpson try on one of the gloves used in the murders, in front of the jury to prove they fit. Of course, as we all know, they did not. Later in closing arguments, one of Simpson's defense attorneys, Johnnie Cochran said, "If the glove does not fit, you must acquit."

One quote that I will always remember is a quote that stirred a Nation and lifted them off their knees and back onto their feet. President Bush was visiting ground zero shortly after the 9/11 attacks. He was standing on a pile of rubble surrounded by firefighters, rescue workers, construction workers and others who were working to clear the rubble, hoping to find survivors. Bush was on a bullhorn, that was not very loud and at one point someone yelled, "we can't here you". Bush's response; "I can hear you. The whole world can hear you. And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear from all of us soon." At that moment the makeshift audience erupted in great applause and soon the chant of "USA. USA." was heard loud and clear.

Throughout history there are many examples of how words impacted people. Unfortunately, there are times when words are used that impact people in a negative way, rather than the positive. I have always heard the phrase, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." I have found that to be the most dishonest phrase ever coined. Truth is, words do hurt and sometimes words stir up the wrong kind of emotion.

This past week, it seems words stirred up a man in such a rage, he felt compelled to attempt the murder of a U.S. Congresswoman. In the process, 6 were killed and many others were wounded. One of the dead, a 9 year old girl who was born on 9/11. Another tragic event in our nations long history.

Since then, many have come out to place blame. Most notably, blame has been placed on talk radio and television news programs, saying the speech heard is hate speech that entices people to resort to violence. While I agree to a certain extent, those who are placing alot of this blame, are also guilty of the same act.

We must come to realize that words need to be carefully chosen. Too often, words are spoken based on pure emotion, rather than common sense. The bible talks about the dangers of the tongue. Depending on which translation you use, the tongue is referred to over 150 times in the bible and usually with a negative connotation. In the book of James, the tongue is spoken of as something that is untamable.

James gives two great examples concerning the power of the tongue. He uses the analogy of a bit in a horses mouth which is used to turn a horse and the rudder on a ship, which of course, is used to steer the ship. Both the bit and the rudder are small in comparison to what they control. In the same way, the tongue is small in comparison to our body, but oh how it controls us. Look at the powerful words James uses to talk about the tongue in chapter 3, verses 6-8:
"The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."

Make no mistake, the words we use have a great impact on the lives of others. So how do we control it? We can't, but as believers, we have something that can help us. The Holy Spirit is the great helper, guide, and teacher. Through the Holy Spirit, we are able to use our tongue in great and mighty ways. To encourage, to uplift and to help those around us. We must not be quick to use our tongue. But slow to speak, choosing our words carefully through the Spirit.

I am like any man, sometimes my emotions get the best of me as well. Let us all make a commitment today, to be slow to speak. To take that deep breath and think about what we are about to say. Let us live to stir up emotions that raise people to their feet and into a positive, loving action. What would you want the whole world to hear today?

Have Fun, Live Free, Hope Strong
PastorG