Words Matter (And why we should be careful who we listen to if we truly want to make America great again.)

Words matter 1Words are potent.

They inspire us to love. “Greater love has no one than this . . .” ~Jesus

They intoxicate us with passion.  “I dare you to let me be your one and only . . .” ~Adele

They challenge us to selfless sacrifice.  “Ask not what your country can do for you . . .” ~JFK

Yet words without action are of no value. To be awakened or provoked is not enough unless we are motivated to do something. Perhaps the most pathetic demonstration of hypocrisy is to say we feel moved while we are sitting and doing absolutely nothing.

Words Without Action

Many times someone has said to me, “I loved your talk today!” or “I really enjoyed your book!” or “Great blog!” and I wonder, Did my words matter? Did anything I said or wrote result in any measurable and lasting changes in that person’s life?

If I were to think about it too long, I’d probably get discouraged, but then I remember that most change is incremental, not instantaneous. There’s a good reason why the Bible contains 66 books—we need to read truth (or hear it) again and again.

It’s like staining a deck: the more applications, the deeper the color. The more we read or hear something, the deeper the impact.

Words Change

Is it human nature to be thick-skinned? Scientists undoubtedly will discover someday a “dimwitted and stubborn” gene (yes, I have it). This tendency requires repeated exposure to inspiring and challenging words to rouse us to growth and change.

What this means for you and me:

  • We should be careful to choose wisely when it comes to who we listen to and what we read. If words matter, and they do, then negative, foolish, or harmful words damage our souls. (For example, do you honestly feel better after watching most of the current political debates? I fear they are doing nothing to “make America great again”.)

  • We should invest time every day in listening to and reading that which facilitates healthy spiritual development and accelerates positive personal growth. I want to be better. It’s why I read the Word every day. It’s why I listen to gifted teachers. It’s why I read books that make me think and provoke me to change.

In a time of hollow political sound bites, worthless Twitter tweets, and way too much idiocy on the idiot-box, be sure to take in something every day that is worthy of your time.

Words matter.

Words Worthy

PS: I don’t do this enough, but thank you for reading my blogs. I am honored that you find my posts worthy of your time, and I hope that at least a few of my words fall into the category of practical wisdom in your life.

Looking for your next read? Check out my books on Amazon.

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Kurt Bubna

Kurt W. Bubna has published seven books, is an internationally recognized blogger, conference and retreat speaker, as well as an experienced life and leadership coach. Bubna has over forty years of experience working with individuals, teams, and a wide variety of business and non-profit organizations.

This Post Has 11 Comments

  1. Bruce Bowen

    One of the struggles I have with social media is, while I can quickly respond to a concern, it is also so easy to be shallow. All I have to do is “like” something a person said or do a so sad emoticon, then head back to the basketball game and feel I have done my good deed. I’m not sure that is what Jesus meant by compassion.

    1. KurtBubna

      So true, Bruce. It’s a struggle for me too. Thanks for the good words and good reminder.

  2. Colene

    Not just in the political setting and what we watch on tv, or our own thoughts about things-but how we speak to each other, our spouse, our children. Toby Mac’s song Speak Life comes to mind. Our words can destroy a spirit and put them on a very dangerous and painful trajectory, or an empowered, impactful one. I hope I speak life and not death. Left to our own resources, I think we tend to speak death. It’s when we choose to be fed in the Word, good teaching and positive music that we have life we can speak to others.

  3. Gary Young

    Kurt, no matter what we say, relationship is the most important, it is not about who is right and who might be wrong. We earn our place by loving and caring and forgiving. Have a great day and I do appreciate your words though I do not always say so.

    1. KurtBubna

      Yes sir, it’s always relationship first. Love ya Gary. Thank you!

  4. Martha Orlando

    As I always remind myself, “garbage in – garbage out.” Our words and the words of others DO matter, and we should immerse ourselves in the ones that uplift and inspire us, not the ones that drag us through the mud.
    Blessings!

    1. KurtBubna

      Well said, and a good reminder, Martha. Thank you!

  5. Shira Garnett

    Boldness of speech and words can divide or bring others together. May we all learn the magnificent gift of unity that God has passionately desired unto all!

    1. KurtBubna

      Love that insight, Shira. Very true! Thanks for adding to the conversation.

  6. Cary

    I was gonna say “Great Blog” but …
    Anyway how about just “True dat!”

Comments are closed.