Justin Cherry

I was reminded of something recently. Something that I once believed to be true. Something that I loved to do and dreamed of doing constantly. Something that all my energies and creativity went into. But something I let slip. Something I let go and become second. Something that I forgot the power of.

But I was reminded recently. As I sat and listened to this speaker communicate the excitement, power and unstoppable force of the kingdom of God I was reminded of this truth.

There is power in the spoken word!

Simple statements become powerful when said at the right time, to the right audience, in the right manner.

“I have a dream…” – Martin Luther King Jr.

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Ghandi

“Light up the darkness.” – Bob Marley

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising everytime we fall.” – Nelson Mandela

“To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees.” – Billy Graham

Powerful words spoken. Powerful words lived out having been moved to action.

Words invoke emotions. Good words strung together into a speech can become a powerful igniter.

In my line of work as a minister many would have us believe that preaching, sermons, religious talks are irrelevant in our culture today. What matters is our actions. So stop talking and start living it.

I in no way disagree with action and I do believe that if you are not living the life you are talking about, then shut your mouth until you start.

But the more I have thought about this, the more I have come to realize that the message has not become irrelevant. Rather, those speaking the message have become irrelevant.

The spoken word, like many other things is an art form. One that is meant to be crafted and worked on constantly.

You can have a powerful message, but if it is not understood then the power is drained from it like Superman next to kryptonite (yeah I said that).

The message we bring concerning Jesus is important, but since when does important mean boring. The message of Jesus is exciting and adventurous. It is a live novel waiting to have it’s next chapter written in your lives. So that message needs to be communicated and yes lived out.

So yes, there is power in the spoken word. But there is also art in the spoken word.

If we want the world to listen, then make the message interesting. Speak in such a way that the message relates. Speak with such enthusiasm that the message impacts their hearts and leads them to action.

I want to be relevant in this world, because the message I deliver is that important. I believe in it. I am changed by it.

Don’t become irrelevant in this world. Know that your words matter. Just make sure they communicate. That they are heard and understood.

You have a message to tell and the voice is still one of the best ways to deliver it.

Power.

Art.

The spoken word.