The tongue has a great creative ability and it can also set everything on fire. “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell” (James 3:6). As much we can do amazing positive things with our mouths, we can also cause great destructions with the same mouth. May God help us to use the power in our mouths in the right way!
1. A leader can develop his ability to speak forth positive confessions about his life, his ministry and his work.
For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Mark 11:23
Always remember that the Bible says death and life are in the power of the tongue. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (Proverbs 18:21). One of the things we all appreciate is a declaration of a blessing over their lives – because they know the potency of the spoken word.
2. A leader can develop his ability to teach.
Teaching uses the power of the mouth. The ability to teach is a great help to the hunger and need to gain knowledge. Many problems are solved by knowledge. Ignorance can pose many dangers.
Many years ago, when certain medicines had not been discovered, a number of women suffered and many lost their lives because we did not yet have the knowledge of these solutions. Women would be delivered of children and the cut sewed up. A couple of days after, the body of the woman would swell. Then it would burst and the poor woman would die. This was an unfortunate situation that drove scientist to find a solution. Now, with the solution, we can have many surgeries safely.
And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
Ecclesiastes 12:9
Teaching is a very powerful tool through which helpful, important and sensitive knowledge is passed on and made available to many. May your teaching abilities be developed to solve many problems!
3. A leader can develop his ability to counsel and advise people.
We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.
Psalm 55:14
Many issues of life are solved when you receive good counsel. You do not have to re-invent the wheel when someone can hold your hand and make you go further by sitting on his shoulders.
Be a great counsellor for many people!
4. A leader can develop his ability to bargain with men and to persuade them.
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, WE PERSUADE MEN; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
2 Corinthians 5:11
God has given people to be with you, to work with you and to be sent by you to do amazing things. Many times there is a little gap you need to fill to gain the full benefit of these precious people – persuasion! Develop your ability to persuade men to go on a worthy cause. Some of the early missionaries had to bargain with and persuade others to come along with them as they embarked on life-changing missions. You will have to do the same today! Persuading men needs the power of your mouth! Use the power of your mouth!
5. A leader can develop his ability to create and invent with his mouth.
By faith, we understand that the world was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made out of things which do not appear.
Hebrews 11:3 (RSV)
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Hebrews 11:3
God created this whole earth by the power of His Word. You can create many things by saying them and ensuring that they are fulfilled. Great power lies in your mouth! Great power lies in your spoken word! Use this great power to invent many great things.
As we begin this new year, we are conscious of the power that rests in the mouth of leaders and which they can use to lead powerfully. May God help our leaders to use this gift and grace God has given them to forge ahead! May our leaders register successes because they use and practise the wisdom of a serpent!
theaol@ymail.com
By Dag Heward-Mills