James 3:2 (NLT) —Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.
The above Scripture is a pretty powerful truth that we need to grasp. Do we believe what this verse says? Scientists have estimated that the average person has approximately 45,000 thoughts per day. That is approximately one thought every two seconds. We are also told that of all these thoughts, 72% are repetitive, nonsensical, or wasted mental energy. Of the remaining thoughts, 25% are destructive, and only 3% are positive. Only 3% of our thoughts are positive, and 25% are negative or destructive. That means we are over eight times more likely to think a negative thought than a positive thought.
What does this have to do with words? We do not have words unless we first have a thought. And our thoughts will control what comes out of our mouths. Why are most of our words negative? Because we have negative thoughts. Jesus told us the importance of our words in Matthew 15:11, 18 (NLT) It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth… 18 But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. James goes on to say that no one can tame the tongue, and it is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:8) So are we doomed to live a life of defilement and deadly poison? No, not if we obey the Word of the Lord and meditate on His Word. It’s like the old computer adage, “garbage in, garbage out.”
Therefore, we should constantly think or meditate on God’s Word. The Lord told Joshua in 1:8 that he was to meditate on God’s word day and night, and then he would make his own way successful. Joshua was responsible for his own success, and it was based on the content of his thoughts. The word meditate in the Old Testament carries the meaning of muttering, speaking, or reflecting deeply on a subject. In other words, the words we think upon will eventually come out of our mouths. And what comes out of our mouth will set our course in life. So, if we are careful about what occupies our minds, then we will increase the chances of speaking positive rather than negative and destructive words.
James warns us about the course our tongue can set. James 3:5–6 (ESV) — 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. We can see the power of our words and how they truly determine the course of our lives. What course are we on today? We must ask ourselves, where am I thinking and speaking contrary to the truths of God’s Word? We must replace every negative thought with positive thoughts from God’s Word.
If we want to control the outcome or course of our lives, then we must control the words that we speak. The Wisdom of Solomon tells us in Proverbs 18:21 (AMP) Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. The tongue holds the key to either death or life. Are we speaking death over our families when they do not act as they should? Do we speak death over our bodies when we are not feeling so good? Do we speak death over our destinies when things get difficult and take a turn in the wrong direction? We have the power, through our words, to change our lives and move in a forward direction, much like Joshua, that will lead to success. We must remember, Joshua’s success was his own responsibility, and the Lord told him that by meditating on God’s Word, day and night, he (Joshua) would make his own way successful.
Psychologists tell us that the key to success is a positive attitude. God’s Word also tells us the key to success is a positive attitude. Is this some magic wand we wave over our lives? No, it is a Biblical and Psychological truth that positive thoughts affect our literal brain in such a way as to promote a healthy mindset that will direct us toward success and well-being. Our thought patterns literally and physically change our brains. So, why did God tell Joshua to meditate on His Word day and night? It is because He knows how He created us, and He understands the impact of positive thoughts on our brains, as well as the effects of negative and destructive thoughts on both our brains and our bodies. Our thoughts will set us up for failure and success if we follow the Words of the Lord in every aspect of our lives.
To reverse the trend toward negative thinking, we must make an effort on our part. First, we must know the positive truths to replace those that are negative. Second, we must be consciously aware of our thoughts and immediately dismiss any negative ones that arise. And third, speaking the truth is a powerful way to erase bad thoughts. Remember, life and death are in the power of the tongue, or the words we speak. We must be very intentional with our words. Why not keep a diary of all the negative thoughts you have each day. Include a separate section in your diary for the negative words you spoke during the day. Then eliminate these negative words by replacing them with positive truths from God’s Word.
So how do we control our thoughts? The Psalmist gives us a clue in Psalm 1:1–3 (ESV) — 1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. So, we must eliminate all negative influences from our lives and meditate on God’s Word. Who and what are we listening to? We must be careful of all that we allow into our thoughts, and God promises that all that we put our hands to will prosper. What an incredible promise from God! Are we ready to take responsibility for our own success?
Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) — Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.