In the world we say someone who takes a risk for something they believe is important has “stuck their neck out.” It’s a reference to a turtle’s need to reach their head out of their shell to walk. It’s also a reference to extending the neck for execution, depending on the likelihood of the risk. Essentially, sticking my neck out is to say “I’m going to take this stand because it’s the right thing to do, even if it doesn’t turn out the best way for me.”
But sticking my neck out is usually connected to sticking my tongue out, not in a mocking or defiant manner, but saying something that may open me up to censure or argument. But speaking truth is the most powerful thing we can do, and I want to challenge you to stick your tongue out, too.
Lynn and I learned about the power of our tongues from our first pastor, Bill Inman. He was an advocate of speaking blessings instead of curses, especially in our families. He and his wife, Arlene, taught us to refrain from saying things to our children like “You’re going to fall and break your neck!” Arlene especially spoke encouraging words even in difficult situations, expressing caution without fear.
While we saw the self-centeredness of the “name it and claim it” doctrines that were popular in the 80’s and 90’s, we still understood that our words had power in our lives. Solomon described the strength of our words in our lives this way:
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21
If you want an early indication of the power of words, start in Genesis. The creation was catalyzed on the first day by “God said, ‘Let there be light.’” God spoke creation into being eight times in that first week, and spoke blessings twice. Paul references the creative power of God’s word when he describes him as He who “calls those things which do not exist as though they did.”
God spoke blessings to Abraham multiple times, and the New Testament writers refer to God’s promises over and over. Paul reminds us that our judgment is determined by our words.
For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” Romans 14:11
This references a passage in Isaiah that displays God’s word calling out our words:
I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath. Isaiah 45:23
Paul echos this passage again when he writes to the Philippians, …that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11
So why is speaking out loud so important? Because it’s the action that ensures our salvation. It is faith activated.
But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:8-10
It’s simply consistent. God spoke the heavens and the earth into existence, verbally blessed mankind with dominion and authority on earth, and spoke to us throughout history by His prophets including His Son, Jesus. John put it together when he opened his gospel with “In the beginning was the Word…” and then showed that in Jesus “the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.” When John described Jesus’ return as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, he records “his name is called The Word of God.”
It is consistent with God’s character of truth that we who are made in His image and after his likeness should speak the truth of Jesus’ resurrection for our salvation. Therefore, if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead,then say so. Audibly confess Jesus as Lord now. Don’t wait until the judgment (see Philippians 2 above), but tell the world about your Savior and Redeemer so others may know.
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
And gathered out of the lands,
From the east and from the west,
From the north and from the south. Psalm 107:1-3
Our first book, “Families from the Beginning: Your Family, God’s Design” is available in paperback or Kindle on Amazon. Click here to order your copy.
Follow this link Families from the Beginning, Chapter 1 to see the first chapter.