Today, I want to share with you an important lesson about the power of our words and how they shape our perceptions and attitudes. This lesson aligns closely with the teachings of Dr. Kevin Elko, a renowned consultant on psychological attitude and life.

Yesterday, before church, I ran into our pastor. He mentioned that he had a meeting at 4 PM on Friday, close to the end of the typical workday. My immediate response was, “Unfortunately, in your profession, your days don’t end at 5 PM like most people’s.” But his reply caught me off guard and made me reflect. He said, “That’s okay because it’s what makes my job interesting.”

In that moment, I realized my mistake. By using the word “unfortunately,” I had framed his extended working hours as a negative aspect of his job. But the pastor saw it differently – as an interesting and engaging part of his profession. This interaction reminded me of the importance of choosing our words carefully and maintaining a positive perspective.

Dr. Elko often emphasizes, “Your Spirit is in what you say… so why not make sure that the words that come out of your mouth are meaningful and have a positive purpose?” He teaches that spoken words are extremely powerful and can significantly influence our ability to achieve what we want (or don’t want) in life.

Words have power. They not only express our thoughts but also shape them. When we use negative words, we’re more likely to perceive situations negatively. Conversely, positive language can help us see opportunities and blessings where we might otherwise see obstacles and burdens.

Dr. Elko encourages us to be intentional about what we say and to have a script that can help us make the most of each day. He often asks, “How do you talk to yourself? What do you say?” This self-awareness is crucial because, as he points out, “Events don’t cause what you feel.” It’s our interpretation and the words we use to describe situations that shape our emotions and responses.

Here are some words and phrases we often use that can put our minds in a negative frame: unfortunately, I can’t, but, it’s impossible, I have to, never, always (when used negatively), problem, difficult, hate, fail, terrible, awful, worried.

Instead of these, we can try using more positive alternatives: fortunately, I can, and, it’s challenging but possible, it’s just a puzzle, I get to, I choose to, often (when used positively), opportunity, challenging, learn.

By consciously choosing more positive words, we can reframe our thoughts and attitudes. Dr. Elko teaches, “You either live in vision or you live in circumstance.” This means we have the power to see blessings where others see curses, and opportunities where others see failures.

Remember, this doesn’t mean ignoring real problems or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about approaching challenges with a constructive attitude. It’s about seeing the potential for growth and learning in every situation.

Proverbs 18:21 tells us, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” This verse aligns perfectly with Dr. Elko’s teachings about the power of our words.

I encourage you to be mindful of your words. Pay attention to the language you use in your daily life. When you catch yourself using negative words, pause and consider how you might rephrase your thought in a more positive way. As Dr. Elko advises, “Be a blessing to someone today. Play out the blessing before it happens.”

Let your words be a source of encouragement, both to yourself and to others. As you cultivate this habit of positive language, you’ll likely find that your perspective on life becomes brighter, your relationships stronger, and your ability to handle challenges greatly enhanced.