The Power of Words
The Power of Words in the Creation Process
What power do words have? And what do words have to do with the the power of creation?
First, the power of words is described in John 1:1-5, 10
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
There are some fun plays on words here (pun mostly intended), and while this is in no way going to be a comprehensive look at all of the meanings, I want to explore a couple of thoughts.
The Power of “The” Word
First, a word substitution exercise. For each occurrence of “the Word,” substitute it with “Jesus Christ.” Now it reads like this:
In the beginning was Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ was with God, and Jesus Christ was God.
The same, Jesus Christ, was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him, Jesus Christ; and without him, Jesus Christ, was not any thing made that was made.
(You can see I took it a step further and did some pronoun substitution as well, as I find that helps lend clarity to the scriptures which are overrun with pronouns.)
What does it mean that Jesus Christ is the same thing as The Word? What can we learn about the power of words in our own creative process when we add that layer of meaning to it?
Power of Words
Words have power. Word are power. With the power of a word, worlds were created. Granted, that particular word was Jesus Himself doing the creating under Father’s direction and guidance; nevertheless, it is not a coincidence that John chose those two things – words and Jesus – to illustrate the power of speaking the correct words during the creation process.
In fact, the power of the word is so powerful that through words, lives can be changed, and souls saved. In the book of Alma in the chapters leading up to the great wars between the Nephites and the Lamanites, Mormon teaches an important principle he discovered as he was abridging those records. In Alma 31:5, Mormon illustrates for us just how powerful words can be:
And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.
According to Mormon, when people listened to the word of the gospel, or in other words, the message of Jesus Christ (remember, Jesus Christ = The Word), that one simple act of conversion changed the desire of people’s hearts from wanting to war and fight to the other extreme of peace. That word was more convincing than any political argument, discussion, or debate.
Tongue of Angels
The power of words is so potent that it is the language spoken in heaven. Nephi tells us that, “Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ.” (2 Nephi 32:2–3.)
The words of Christ are nothing less than grace, truth, mercy, and compassion.
“Our words, like our deeds, should be filled with faith and hope and charity, the three great Christian imperatives so desperately needed in the world today. With such words, spoken under the influence of the Spirit, tears can be dried, hearts can be healed, lives can be elevated, hope can return, confidence can prevail.” (2007–A:16, Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Tongue of Angels.”)
What Sayest Thou of Thyself?
Back to our Jesus story from John. After introducing Jesus Christ as The Word that is the source of truth, light, and power, John the Baptist is challenged by his audience.
Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? (John 1:22)
That question is a good one to ask ourselves on our regular basis. The script we recite to ourselves matters. It even affects our own innate creative process and ability. The words we use have the power to create or destroy. We can edify and build, or demolish and leave destruction in our wake.
What do you say about yourself? Do you say uplifting and positive things? Or do you tear yourself down?
Change your internal monologue to powerful, positive words of creativity and inspiration. What do you want to become? Do? Accomplish? Create?
Use phrases like, “I am…” or:
Just as Jesus created with the power of a word, so can you. Create of yourself and around yourself things of beauty that uplift and edify.