One reporter had an extremely relevant question. "Do you really think that you can change lives simply through your words," she quizzically asked. I pondered the question. I realized that she had grown up as an atheist. She lived in a nation where everyone was taught that there is no God." It must have seemed incredible to her that I would attempt to change lives and even a nation through the mere use of public speaking. Soviet citizens were used to lives being changed by the power of military weapons - not the power of words.

I responded to the reporter, "Yes, I believe that we will see lives changed by the words that I speak today." I could speak so confidently, not because of the eloquence of my speech, but because of the power of the message of the gospel that I would deliver that day. There have been enough years to pass since that day that I am able to reflect on my response and know if it was an accurate one.

The editor of the first Christian magazine in Moldova is a woman whose life was changed by the message I delivered that day. There are several missionaries and Christian workers who were atheists before they heard that message. Men and women have traveled to other regions of the former Soviet Union because of what they heard that day. Yes, mere words were able to change the entire direction of hundreds and even thousands of live in that one day.

When one thinks of the power of words, it should cause us to be extremely careful about which words we use. Words can be used to build up or to tear down. Words can bring life and peace or death and destruction. The person who learns to bless others with their words will be a very wise person and find that they have contributed greatly to their families and to society.

The Scriptures say, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless" (James 1:26). The test of the purity of our hearts lies in the use of our words. How we use our tongues actually tells what kind of Christianity we are living. If we can have victory in this area of our lives, then we can probably conquer any spiritual foe we face.

We can build or destroy a child's esteem by the words we speak. We can construct a healthy marriage or destroy deep relationships through our communication. It's imperative to bring this little instrument, the human tongue, under the control of the Holy Spirit. But the question is, "How do we do that?"

First, speak the truth. Jesus is the truth. When we speak of the Savior, we will be able to see lives changed for eternity. When the Holy Spirit works in our lives, He will always glorify Jesus. Therefore, we ought to speak of the Savior every opportunity that we get. Second, speak that which blesses people, rather than curses them. Say those things which will build people up rather than tears them down. Third, when you begin to feel anger, then place a bridle over your tongue. Determine that when your angry that you will count to thirty before you respond. Often much damage is done because we speak too quickly. Finally, ask the Holy Spirit to take control of your speech. Ask him to give you the power to speak only those things which please the Father.

As we give control of our tongues to God, we will not only find pure faith, but we will also see lives changed. Yes, lives can be changed by the words we speak - if we speak in the power of the Holy Spirit and only that which honors and pleases God.