O captain, my captain!
David Wildman
Director of Family and Discipleship at The Rock Community Church. Spending my life helping make disciples who make disciples.
To quote Robin Williams from Dead Poets Society, "No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world."
Man is that more true today than ever before! I believe it was Edward Bulwer-Lytton who said, "The pen is mightier than the sword." Why is that? Why can words change the world? Why are words more powerful than any weapon we can wield?
Before I answer that I want us to look at the word EDIFY, edify means instructing and improving, especially in moral and religious knowledge. Edifying means we uplift, enlighten and inform. Now how we use edifying differs. Many people knew they could use this for good or for control. I could empower people or control people. I could strengthen people or turn them against one another.
1 Corinthians 14:3 teaches us, "But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort." Paul is wanting those who teach to use edification as means to build up the church. He wants us to strengthen, encourage and comfort one another.
The Word of God is called The Sword (Eph. 6:17). When we open it we are wielding a powerful weapon that will change the world. In it we find 66 books from beginning to end that strengthen, encourage, comfort, equip, and guide.
To answer the question: Why are words more powerful than any weapon we can wield? Because words empower, enlighten, uplift, and inform. A weapon simply chops down.
Immerse yourself in the Word of God. Let it saturate every aspect of your life. Let it be the foundation and strength of who you are. Let it change your life!
It's important that we understand the power of our words. Read, Reflect on and Respond to James 3.
How can I apply this in discipleship?
Whether you're being discipled or discipling someone, talk through people that edify (build up, strengthen, and encourage) in your life. Discuss how that changed you. Discuss how that impacted your life.
Are these people emulating Christ? What aspect of their life can you emulate? Remember what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:1 "Follow my example,?as I follow the example of Christ."
Don't forget to discuss:
How am I following Jesus?
How am I being changed by Jesus?
How am I committing to the mission of Jesus?
Take a minute and watch this final scene from Dead Poets Society:
Go in His name and declare His greatness! Let His Word cut through the darkness like a freshly sharpened sword laying siege to darkness's hold. Let it bring new life. Speak. Nay! Edify! Point one another to the love, grace, and mercy of our Lord and Savior!
David Wildman