Question: do we really believe the Bible? How congruent are our words with what we say we believe? Perhaps, it is time to compare our words with what God says, and find just how much we actually agree with Him. After all, From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (see Matthew 12:34; Luke 6:45). When it comes to our identity, behavior and habits, this is important. Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
What we say actually reinforces our beliefs. Likewise, what we repeat creates thoughts which we can receive, and consequently, come to believe. We’ve all heard of “self-fulling prophecy.” If what we say bolsters what we believe, what we believe about ourselves is also reinforced by the words we use. As a person thinks in his or her heart, so is he or she (see Proverbs 23:7). The result is strengthened habits and behavior, since our behavior tends to coincide with what we believe.
Again, our brains are like computers, only far more superior. Just as computers are programmed to operate in certain ways, our thought processes are programmed to function in certain modes. Like those machines, whatever software is used will determine what those functions are. In most cases, each piece of software have periodic updates installed. What we say over ourselves, and others for that matter, hardwires into the brain. In turn, corresponding behavior results. Our abilities or lack of abilities are also influenced. For instance, if you believe you can succeed, you are correct. Likewise, if you believe you cannot succeed, you are also correct.
Some of you believed lies about yourself, and because of it, you have abilities or talents of which you are unaware existing within you. When someone points one out, you tend to reinforce the lie: “Oh, I could never do that! I’m not that smart.” How many of you say things like, “I always do that” (whatever “that” is)? Your mind will send messages to your brain, which in turn, sees to it that you always accomplish what you say. Your brain is the hardware, and your mind is the software, so to speak. Words work like installers of the thought process. Your subconscious is powerful, and can override your conscious thoughts. Here are a couple examples.
Fred finds himself always running late; even though, consciously he wants to be on time. His late arrivals are reinforced by his words, “I’m always running late.” Somewhere in his past, he picked up that belief about himself and has been strengthening it ever since.
Henry has a hard time studying because he believes he is not smart enough to be in school. By the way, that thought which he believes to be true is a lie. One thing Henry consistently says about himself is, “I never could do very well in school.” He wants to do well, which he is actually able; but, his lack of focus is the result of the reinforced lie. In a sense, our words can bring death to our abilities, while bringing life to the lies spoken over us.
Our words can reinforce truth, if we use the right ones! By embracing the Word of God and using words God says about us, we can awaken and fortify our God-given abilities. Why do you suppose Scripture tells us to put our minds on things above, and not beneath? By placing our minds on the things beneath, it actually leads us to operate beneath our abilities. Conversely, the more we focus on spiritual things, the more we operate in our God-given gifts and talents. Decide whose report you will believe, God’s or the world’s, then choose to speak things congruent with the decision. God’s words are spirit, life and truth. They override any lie. Choose life!
