In my younger days, a simple schoolyard disagreement over whose dad was the better bowler with my then-archnemesis Chris led to a defining moment in my life. I was reminded by my mother in that moment to “Use your words.” Words – our most potent tool and yet often the most undervalued.
A passage in Proverbs 18:21 reveals, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Yet, many of us, even those filled with the Spirit, sometimes shy away from using this mighty gift. We forget its power, feel insecure, or even dislike our voices. Even Moses felt unequipped to be God’s voice, leading to Aaron becoming his official spokesperson.
However, God’s message is clear – our voices matter. Here are three key principles to make the most of this gift:
- Align Your Heart and Head: Your audience feels the authenticity of your message not just through words but your tone. Before every conversation, recalibrate your intention. Shift the focus from “me” to your “MISSION” – to serve, uplift, and glorify God. If your heart is in the right place, your words will effortlessly resonate with your listeners.
- Refine the Instrument – Your Voice: Your voice is malleable. It’s an instrument that can be stretched, trained, and refined. Consider its three main sound elements:
- Pitch: Animate your voice. Think of how we change our tone when talking to children – our voice becomes more dynamic. Keep it varied, and your listeners will stay engaged.
- Pace: Every voice has a rhythm. Record yourself, analyze your pace, and practice varying it. Don’t fear pauses; sometimes silence speaks volumes.
- Projection: Your volume matters. Use it effectively, with or without a microphone. Match the urgency or calm of your message with your volume.
- Know and Respect Your Audience: Paul advises in Colossians 4:6 to season our speech “so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Tailor your message to your listeners. Authenticity is prized – whether you’re consoling a friend or leading a congregation.
In this digital age, filled with fleeting moments and transient messages, the importance of genuine, heartfelt communication has never been more vital. Embrace the journey of honing your voice, making it a more effective tool in serving the Lord and others.
So, to everyone embracing this God-given gift, dive deep into the richness of your voice. And when someone asks about your newfound passion for refining it, answer with a smile, “I’m using my words.”
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Faith Activist
Featured Image by ConvertKit on Unsplash
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