Words Rule

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. – John 1:1 (NRSV) 

As someone who adores words, I take issue with the saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” What utter bullcockery!   

Without words, we would be unable to say, “Actions speak louder than words” or “bullcockery” or anything else! Without words, actions could not communicated or passed on. Without words, actions have no staying power or relevance.  

Take a backseat, actions. Words rule!  

In the Bible, the power of words is upgraded further to, well, biblical proportions. When the Bible mentions “the Word,” it’s not talking about words printed on a page or spoken from a mouth; it’s pointing to the generative power of God’s presence.  

That’s why we refer to the Bible as the Word of God, not the words of God. The words of the Bible, as powerful as they are, point to something more powerful still: the Word. The Word speaks louder than words. Big difference. John’s Gospel goes so far as to say the Word is God. 

In short, the Word rules. 

You, dear reader, have the power of words and the power of the Word. Whatever transpires today or happened yesterday, you can speak something new into existence. Better still, you can appeal to the Word at the heart of all existence. 

Prayer
Your Word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)

About the Author
Matt Laney is the Senior Pastor of Virginia Highland Church UCC in Atlanta, GA and the author of Pride Wars, a fantasy series published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for Young Readers. The first two books, The Spinner Prince and The Four Guardians are available now.