The word is not just a sound or a written symbol. The word is a force; it is the power you have to express and communicate, to think, and thereby to create the events in your life. You can speak. ... The word is the most powerful tool you have as a human; it is the tool of magic. But like a sword with two edges, your word can create the most beautiful dream, or your word can destroy everything around you.
~ Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements - Be Impeccable with Your Word, p. 26 ~
The Gospel of John opens up with this statement of declaration regarding Christ and his divine authority:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The He was with God in the beginning. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing made had being. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of mankind.
John 1:1-4, CJB
In the Greek, the WORD is LOGOS, and it is the word that gives us the term Logic. We understand that Christ was with our Heavenly Father in the beginning. He is the voice of God. This is validated throughout the New Testament. Christ spoke with authority. As we are representatives ministering in the name of Christ, we too speak in authority on His behalf.
What does it mean to be impeccable with our words? How does this translate into us speaking with authority?As One having authority
We look to Mark 1:21-28 regarding how Christ spoke:
They entered K'Far-Nachum, and on Shabbat Yeshua went into the synagogue and began teaching. They were amazed at the way he taught, for he did not instruct them like the Torah-teachers but as one who had authority himself. In their synagogue just then was a man with an unclean spirit in him, who shouted, "What do you want with us, Yeshua from Natzeret? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God!" But Yeshua rebuked the unclean spirit, "Be quite and come out of him!" Throwing the man into a convulsion, it gave a loud shriek and came out of him. They were all so astounded that they began asking each other, "What is this? A new teaching, one with authority behind it! He gives orders even to the unclean spirits, and they obey him!" And the news about him spread quickly through the whole region of the Galil.
This is compared to Matthew 7:28-29:
When Yeshua had finished saying these things the crowds were amazed at the way he taught, for he was not instructing them like their Torah-teachers but as one who had authority himself.
Christ was impeccable with his words. When he taught it was with authority and not as the religious leaders had taught. When he ministered, he ministered under the authority of God's divine power and grace. This is evidenced in the Great High Priestly prayer of John 17. Here, we see Christ praying to the Father and declaring the words he received from the father, he also given to the disciples. Through the word (logic and reason) we come to know:
- The Truth
- Sanctified through its power and instruction
- Creates fulfillment and joy in our lives
- Generates faith and belief
- Unifies us with God the Father and Jesus Christ
- Expresses divine love and grace through its power
How many of us understand the dangerous power of the Word of God? I hear this all the time in various conversations. Yet, what does it mean to believe on the Word of God? Most merely reference the word of God as it is associated with the Bible. They conclude that the Bible is the final authoritative word of God. However, do you fully understand what is being said?
This is not a passing expression (as many today have appeared to use). It is one of the most dangerous characteristics of being a Christian in today's social climate and divisiveness. Here is what Alastair Roberts writes in his blog article: As One Having Authority - Mark 1:28-29
One of the dangerous yet important characteristics of the Church’s ministry is its authoritative speech: authorized by Christ himself, the Church is to communicate Christ’s own authority, obliging and releasing people to act in line with it. The Church does not just dispense advice but declares the word of Christ which obliges us to follow and by which one day we will be judged. The authoritative word of Christ furnishes lost and disoriented people with truthful ways of life.
The powerful word of God is not limited to a collection of 66 books. Christ is referred to as the Living word of God. He spoke on authority and taught what the Father had gave Christ to teach. Through Christ, we also are the Living words of God. Through us, we speak the truth and minister as Christ ministered.
On one occasion, the Savior spoke this truth to His disciples:
Yes, indeed! I tell you that whoever trusts in me will also do the works I do! Indeed, he will do greater ones, because I am going to the Father. In fact, whatever you ask for in my name, I will do; so that the Father may be glorified in the Son If you ask me for something in my name, I will do it.
John 14:12-14, CJB
Through our faith in God the Father and Jesus Christ, we are empowered to do the works of Christ, and even greater works. This includes mindful and sincere heartfelt prayer in asking for God's guidance, wisdom, intervention, and strength. All to further glorify the Father and Son.
It is through our faith in Jesus Christ that we are able to speak as one having authority. To call all men unto repentance. To forgive those who have trespassed against us. To preach with authority against the many seeds of doubt and fear. Our very words are impeccable where it brings light of hope, love, and truth within the darkest regions of the human heart. It beckons us to be a light unto the world.
Speaking without sin
One of the hallmarks of Christ's authority is captured in the scene where a woman is brought before him. She was caught in the act of adultery. As an attempt to trap the Savior, the religious leaders and crowd awaited his response as to the condemnation and judgment based upon the established law (John 8:3-11, CJB)
Being an authentic Christian and being impeccable with our word means we do so in a manner that is without sin. Here is how Ruiz explains the first agreement:
Now let us see what the word impeccability means. ... Impeccable comes from the Latin pecatus, which means "sin." The im ... means "without," so impeccable means "without sin."
Ruiz further explains that this is speaking without judgment or blame. Specifically, toward oneself. However, this also means that when we speak with authority, it is done in a manner where we are not speaking out of judgment, criticism, blame, or in being condescending toward others. Christ spoke with authority: First toward the crowd ready to cast stones at the woman, and secondly toward the woman when he called her to repentance and asked her to stand and go forth to sin no more.
Unfortunately, many Christians preach and minister in a manner that is contrary to the way Christ ministered. This is evidenced in their conversations and tactics in so-called preaching the gospel through a spirit of contention and condescension toward others.
Let us not confuse this powerful ability to speak with divine authority. Truth will come across with harshness toward those in need of salvation and redemption. Scripture is clear on this. Yet, we do not have the authority to judge or condemn someone - that is reserved for the Savior. We do have the authority to preach the Gospel, call all people unto repentance, and teach them all that the Savior has commanded through discipleship.
When we are impeccable (meaning, we are ministering without sin in our hearts) in our words we speak the truth and love of Christ into the lives of those who are:
- Despondent
- Feeling lost and abandoned
- Experiencing adversity and despair
- Overwhelmed and burdened
- Experiencing fear and doubt
- Lacking hope and faith
- discouraged, disappointed, and let down
- experiencing health issues
- suffering
This is accomplished through mindfulness. We are not judging them, criticizing them, or putting them down. Instead, we are meeting them where they presently are. Speaking truth in love and comfort. Being compassionate and empathetic. We are not using terms couched in cliches. Our words are authentic and genuine.
In essence, when we speak without sin, we are speaking in a manner that is not rejecting of another person. This begins with how we speak to ourselves and accepting who we are through Christ's divine authority and grace. Until we heal ourselves and come unto Christ and seek his Forgiveness, we are not able to speak with authority and without sin.
Words bring healing and restoration
Another characteristic of Christ's ability to speak with authority is through the healing of individuals. People were not only amazed that Christ taught with authority (unlike scribes and religious leaders); they were also amazed at the power of his words that brought healing and restoration.
One of the most interesting accounts is the healing of the man with palsy (Mark 2:1-12, CJB)
As Christians, our words have the divine power and authority to heal and restore. As we have come to understand, we shall do the works of Christ, and even do greater works than he has done. This may raise the question as whether or not there are healings today as there were in the time of Christ. I even came across one comment regarding someone asking how come God does not restore an amputee's hand?
First, we must understand that we have come far along in the field of medical science. What we are able to do today, was not available during the First Century. In a manner of speaking, God has provided us the means to restore limbs to people. They may not be flesh and bone limbs, however, many have gone on to great success with artificial limbs. Furthermore, there is the exploration of medical science and robotics. Secondly, healing and restoration begins with faith. Each encounter we read about where Christ heals - stems from the faith of those around the individual, and the individual themselves in taking the necessary action and following Christ's authority and word.
When we speak, without sin, and have faith in Christ, our words bring healing and restoration to those who are broken and lost. Has the power to lift others out of despair. Bring comfort during times of sorrow and suffering.
The Apostle Paul instructs us on how we bring restoration and healing within our families, and communities (Romans 12:4-18, CJB)
Here, we understand that healing and restoration rests upon our faith. It also rests upon our ability to show love and affection toward one another. Through this, we show mercy, and are able to effectively serve the Lord through our words and deeds. It also means we continue with fervent prayer and maintain patience in times of adversity.
Being impeccable with our words requires us to minister to those in need. Through our words we bring healing and restoration. While this may not manifest in physical healing, it may very well reach into the depths of the soul and bring to pass healing and restoration of faith and hope. This is quite true during our time where we have seen significant changes in how we are living our lives out.
While it is true that there are many in our society seeking after wickedness as a means to bring happiness and joy into their lives. Our duty and obligation are to speak truth in love and grace to bring healing and restoration to those who have found themselves bound in misery.
Conclusion
We are definitely living in unprecedented times. How we minister is based on whether we are authentic and impeccable with our word. Exercising our genuine faith in Jesus Christ, we have the power to speak with great authority. Through genuine faith in Jesus Christ, we have the power and authority to speak without sin. And through our genuine faith in Jesus Christ, we have the power to speak healing and restoration in the lives of those darken by sin and transgression.
Therefore, let us emulate our Savior and harness the power and authority of God in speaking truth that sanctifies, calls people unto repentance, and motivates others to walk in faith and obedience to all that Christ has taught and commanded us.
