Lesson 133: Let There Be Light

Kentucky Chaplain David Chaltas

When I was a child I remember saying, “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” This childish concept is probably the farthest thing from the truth. Words can heal or kill. Words can condemn or congratulate. Words are more powerful than a two edged sword, for they represent our very thoughts and the condition of our soul. We are and will become the very words that we say and/or think. Negative thinking breeds unhappiness and frustration. Positive thinking offers hope and is filled with the joy of faith. The cup is either half full or half empty. It is your words formed by your mind’s thinking that determines which you choose. General Jackson upon his death bed praised God and was filled with contentment when he learned that he was going to die upon the day that he relished the most. His cup was always more than half full. General Lee always planned but after his work, he turned it over to the will of God. His cup was filled more than half with devotion to God and faith.

In Genesis Chapter 1, verses 1-3, we are given insight into the power of words. I quote: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.” The essence of life is contained in these three verses. Note that God created. And His creation was formless and empty. It was filled with darkness. Also note that God’s Spirit hovered over the waters. He did all this in silence. Then the miracle of miracle began and our Awesome God spoke! Immediately there was light! And each time He spoke IMMEDIATELY the words He spoke came to be. His very words of creation give us a glimpse into the power that can come from our thoughts. It is my religion that teaches me to reflect upon the words that come out of my mouth. Once those hurtful words are spoken, they cannot be rescinded, they cannot be taken back and they cannot be forgotten without the forgiving grace of God interceding.

I work with hurting children and they tell me that the physical abuse hurts but the emotional scars of the tongue leaves wounds that never heal. Neglect, sexual abuse, and physical abuse contain a common element: that of emotional abuse. If a person sees you and makes a negative comment about your hair a couple of times, after awhile, whenever your paths cross you will attempt to quickly comb your hair or run your fingers through it to make it look better. Just imagine the power of words when you are being called dummy, stupid or idiot. Now imagine the power of the words wonderfully done, I am proud of you, and you can do it for I have faith in you! Words can be dark, void and empty or filled with light and life. YOU have that power within you simply by positive thinking. If you don’t think you have that power, well let me introduce you to a man that does. His father is the author of the best seller of all times. His mother is known as a saint. He has been known to do miracles with no special effects needed. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Rose of Sharon, The Lilly of the Valley, the Good Shepherd, The Light of the World, and One and Only. He CAN and WILL give you the words of rejoicing and set your spirit free if you call upon Him with a humbled heart!

There is a wonderful story about Jesus being tempted. The parable goes something like this. A Pharisee saw Jesus coming in his direction and he decided to test him in the hopes of belittling him in front of the multitude. He reached into a cage that contained a sacrificial dove and placed it behind his back in one hand. He thought to himself, “I will ask Jesus if I have a live or a dead bird in my hand. If he answers live, I will kill it but if he answers dead I will set it free and the people will scoff.” As soon as Jesus came close to the Pharisee, he asked him about the condition of the bird.

“Rabbi, we know that you are a wise man and it has been reported that you even claim to do miracles. If you are the true Messiah, answer me this. I have a bird behind my back. Is it alive or dead?” Jesus looked at the man for a brief moment, sighed and simply stated, “The answer lies within your hands.”

The tongue that wags at both ends; the words that proceed out of your mouth can be used for healing or hurting. They can be used for building or burning. They determine your fate. They determine your choices, your attitudes, and your destiny. Chose them wisely. Do not put your fate in lying words. In Jeremiah 8:8, the Bible states, “Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit.” Throw away those wicked words and replace them with words of wisdom offered to you by a heart that follows the goodness of God. The words of today may come back to haunt you tomorrow. Let us not be haunted, and let there be light, as I remain your humbled servant, the Old General