Make Every Word Count

Sometimes for lunch, I seek a place where I can hide out and study, read, or relax my brain from the busyness of life. Last week, was one of those occasions where I found a side table at a local restaurant thinking I would not be disturbed while studying for my PhD comps. Usually, however, these respite moments only last a short while before I recognize or am recognized by someone I know. This was the case about 45 minutes into my extended lunch and study time. After a few short minutes of catching up with these friends, one commented and said to me “I heard you speak the other night and you made every word count”. Immediately, I verbalized an often used cliché response of “thank you, you’re kind”, closing this particular conversation but my mind then opened another trail of processing.


I returned to my table and those 14 letters “every word count” echoed loudly in my mind and heart as I replayed the short talk I had given. Then, like most of us, seeking life application, my next replay was of dozens of past conversations. I recalled conversations where I knew I was on target then some of which I knew my words fell short of the goal and were idle or unedifying. This brief encounter with a friend alerted me to take inventory of my how I use the gift of words.

When we are encouraged or challenged in life, God’s Word is very helpful and serves as a barometer for one’s spiritual condition. Let’s face it, each of us share in both successful moments of “words counting” but have also been instrumental in fostering pain and hurt through carelessness with our words. A crafty 1st century tax collector who became an Apostle after forsaking all to follow Christ gives alarm to believers and non believers with these words

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37, ESV).

Join me in filtering words before they are spoken and being intentional to make every word count for the cause of Christ.

Caution: moving away from idleness may cause one to speak less, listen well, and learn more.