Have you ever heard the expression, “words create worlds?” It’s been attributed to various people, but what’s most important is just how true it is. I think I first grasped this in college as I entered the world of “Middle Earth” during the theatrical release of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Having read the books when I was younger, the film version came so close to my imagination. It was almost like visiting a place as a child and returning as an adult.
I found my mind often wandering back to that world, to those enchanting places, wishing in some way I could visit this new world.
Words certainly do create worlds. Commenting on this phrase, Donald Miller once said, “There is no hammer, no knife, no excavator more powerful than a spoken word. And yet every day we use them flippantly. The very words we could be using to build a better life we make no effort to channel.”
Proverbs puts it this way: “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” So may we use our words not simply to create new worlds, but to enter the one true world: the kingdom of God.
Our lectionary reading this week, by Jesus’ brother James illustrates this at a fundamental level. Words matter.
Stu
The Pastor’s Worskhop Library at a Glance
Sermon Illustration Pages
Sermon Quote Pages
Liturgy Pages
total pages of content
Illustrations
Quotes
Liturgy
Blog
Thoughtful and practical articles on a wide variety of subjects all ministry leaders face
Don’t Miss
The Latest From Our Blog
Check out articles, featured illustrations, and book reviews on all different topics related to ministry.
Warming Cold Hearts With God’s Love (As John Wesley Did)
Our great need right now is to have our hearts warmed by God’s love. This is what makes us happy and fruitful! Most everyday pastors seek my care and counsel. Is there a difference if I listen well or listen well with the love of God in my heart? Does it make a...
Moving the Fence: A Sermon Illustration
In the Second World War, a group of soldiers were fighting in the rural countryside of France. During an intense battle, one of the American soldiers was killed. His comrades did not want to leave his body on the battlefield and decided to give him a Christian burial....
Playing for His Master
A story is told of a young violinist who lived in London many years ago. He was a superb musician. He loved his music and enjoyed playing before small groups of people in the homes of friends. But he was deathly afraid of large crowds, so he avoided giving concerts....