The Patheos Book Club has just featured my new book Tongue Pierced, which focuses on the power of language to transform your life. Read on for a preview of my discussion on the book.
I believe it was Mother Theresa, who said: “Words that do not increase the light of Christ, increase the darkness.” Would that be a good summary of your book’s message?
That’s a powerful statement – and it’s very true. That is, words are never neutral. None of us has ever spoken a neutral word in our entire life. Every word that comes out of your mouth and mine has a consequence attached to it, and that consequence will either be positive or negative. What you say will either take your faith, your health, your relationships, your work, or whatever else you may be speaking about in a better direction or it will slowly chip away at the foundation of those same things. Every word is a seed that takes root somewhere and begins producing a crop.
So, yes, if our words are flowing from a heart centered on Christ – centered on his love, his mercy, his grace, his generosity – then they, by default, will be words that increase his light in the world. Or to put it another way, they will be words that manifest and reflect his truth in our own lives and in the lives of the people we influence. On the other hand, if our words aren’t directed by a heart filled with his love, but instead only echo our own nature, feelings, opinions and biases, then they won’t do much to advance Christ’s message or his light to the world around us.
You talk about how our subconscious thoughts are as important to attend to as our conscious thoughts. This may seem daunting to folks, as it suggests a deeper work than just watching our swear words. Can you say more about why this is important, and how we might go about taking control of how our subconscious thoughts transform our reality?
The Bible tells us to take every thought captive – and with good reason. Our thoughts are the precursors of our words and our actions. They direct everything we choose to say and do. Then, those words and actions literally create our everyday reality. It all begins with what we allow to run around in our minds day in and day out; with the conversations we have when we talk to ourselves.
The first step in taking control of thoughts is simply to become aware of them. You have to key into what you are thinking about. Are you thinking about the good in your life or are you focusing on everything that’s wrong? Are you constantly putting yourself down or are you choosing to think of yourself in a positive light? To see yourself the way God sees you? When you think about your relationship with your spouse or your children, do you dwell on the problems and on what needs to change or do you fill your mind with the good aspects of those relationships?
Every moment of every day you and I get to choose how we direct our thought life. With a little awareness and intentionality, we can make sure we are thinking thoughts that work for our betterment, thoughts that lead to words and actions that will foster the life we want instead of keeping us stuck in a place we don’t want to be.
Click here to read the full article.
Your partner in ministry,
Nelson
P.S. For more information on the book and where you can pick one up online today, just visit TonguePierced.com.
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