Our words reflect what we think we are seeing. Some see through the past. Some see only what they want to see. Some see what isn’t there. And some see what God is seeing. The “fit word’ sees not only what is, but what is possible and purposeful. The words of purpose are what everyone is hungry for.
Our culture esteems many things—power, success, celebrity, physical ability, intellectual capacity, and even spiritual achievement. We invest countless hours developing our minds and bodies because we understand that growth requires intentional training and vigilance.
But what about our words?
Perhaps this is where we need to pause.
Fit Words goes far beyond becoming a gifted speaker, an engaging podcaster, or an inspiring preacher. In a digitally saturated society, where the average person spends more than five hours each day interacting through screens, the fitness of our words may be one of the greatest forms of relational capital we possess. Every day we speak, text, email, post, comment, persuade, encourage, criticize, negotiate, comfort, and instruct. Our words shape relationships, influence culture, and ultimately determine the direction of our lives.
Perhaps word fitness requires a unique kind of “training.”
Fit words require understanding the context before speaking an answer. They should be discerning, patient, well-timed, in tune with the Spirit and the man, and even offered with an appropriate touch where appropriate. The right words, spoken in the right way, at the right time, can change the trajectory of a life.
Consider this: of all the titles given to God throughout Scripture, one of the most remarkable is simply “the Word.” John writes, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14, KJV). God chose to reveal Himself not merely through ideas or power, but through the living Word. (I find it ironic my only produced Off-Broadway play’s title was—Just Talk.)
What does that tell us about the value and purpose of words? (It should be a drop the mic and pick up the word moment!)
Perhaps we should begin thinking about this subject in terms of becoming “word athletes.”
A word athlete is not simply someone with an extensive vocabulary or the ability to speak multiple languages. Rather, a word athlete has developed the agility to choose words that accomplish their intended purpose. Their words produce life. They heal. They clarify. They strengthen. They reconcile. They encourage. They reveal truth. So, who doesn’t want to be a word athlete?