Walking down my hallway recently, I overheard a peer use the phrase “no need for extra-curricular talking” as she was teaching. Not having heard the context of the phrase, I was left to wonder what had led her to create that phrase. Extra-curricular talking.

Extra-curricular is defined as activities pursued outside of the normal course of study. In a school environment this often takes the form of arts classes, sporting options and various clubs. While I am not sure that this is what she was describing when she used the term “extra-curricular talking”, it did make me stop and think of the importance of our words. What words do we use or hear when we communicate outside of our normal “course of study.” What are we saying to others? When are we choosing to talk to others? What is being said to us? Who speaks most loudly into our lives? Who do we listen to? Who do we ignore? What value does our extra-curricular talking bring to life?

“Words are singularly the most powerful force available to humanity. We can choose to use this force constructively with words of encouragement, or destructively using words of despair. Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble.” – Yehuda Berg

The world was spoken into existence by God’s words (Hebrews 11:3). “Death and Life are in the power of the tongue….” (Proverbs 18:21).  “….the tongue of the wise brings healing”(Proverbs 12:18).

What we say has great power- positive or negative. As a teacher, I often hear students speaking words into their own lives and into the lives of those around them. “I am so stupid.” “You did a good job.” “No one will ever know.” Often their words strike me due to their harshness. I sometimes interrupt and question the truth of what is being said. “Is this really true?” Students often emulate what they hear from those around them. Do others around them speak truth into their lives? Do we speak truth into our own lives? Words are often said without thinking about the power that they hold.

I would encourage you today to consider your words. Do your words empower others? Do your words annoy others? Do you speak to hear yourself talk? Are the words you speak words of truth? What do you speak into your own life?

The greatest truth that every heart needs to hear is that the Creator of the Universe loves you beyond measure irregardless of how you are seen by others or how you see yourself. This is a truth that needs to be spoken daily but often gets overlooked.  Consider your extra-curricular talking.  Are you speaking truth? What non-truths should you reconsider?

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” – Ephesians 4:29, ESV