By Ian Stageman

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” -Proverbs 18:21

Shortly after we launched Christians Engaged, the Lord put the above verse on my heart—specifically as it relates to the way in which we speak of our government officials and leaders.

As I read the content of our first few weekly 5:55 prayer texts, I came to realize that there was a disconnect within my own heart and life between my prayers on Monday and my general political conversation throughout daily life.

While it is oftentimes easy to praise and speak life over those leaders with whom we agree, it can be far more difficult to speak a kind word over those whose actions are in opposition to our ideology and Christian values.

After an examination of my own life, I found that even in praising the leaders with whom I agreed, I’d oftentimes follow a statement of praise for one leader with a biting criticism of another—justifying my words of death with religious or political rationale.

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.” -James 1:26

Fortunately for us, God’s commands aren’t conditional; they are all tailored by Him to help us in every area of our life—even in how we relate to our leaders. We don’t receive an exemption from God to speak death over the leaders with whom we disagree…even if that leader acts in a way that opposes our values and/or God’s Word.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” -Ephesians 4:29

We, of course can (and should) identify sin and evil, but we are not to slander or curse anyone.

If this is a challenge for you, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to convict you anytime that you cross the line into “fleshly” conversation.

If it were somehow possible to collect all of the words spoken over our leaders and categorize them into ‘LIFE’ buckets and ‘DEATH’ buckets, I believe that the ‘DEATH’ buckets would greatly outnumber the ‘LIFE.’ Our words not only carry weight in the natural realm, but also in the spiritual realm. In having the freedom to choose our words, God has given us a tremendous opportunity and responsibility on the path we chart.

“…I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.” -Deuteronomy 30:19

If we are to be effective witnesses for Christ in this hour and serve as individual “spiritual oases” in the desert of political discourse, then we must set the example in how we engage in this realm.

So, how are we to change course and set a new narrative?

Here are 4 steps to H.E.L.P. you in speaking life over our leaders:

1. HALT: First identify the leaders with whom you have the most difficulty and make a commitment to cease speaking ill of them. This includes cutting off any negative thought or word at the onset.

2. EXPRESS: Commit to speak and pray blessing over these individuals (even a simple “God, I ask that You please bless them” is a great first step).

3. LISTEN: After we release offenses, the Holy Spirit will oftentimes speak to us in that place and deepen our relationship with Him. Listen and yield to the spirit’s leading.

4. PRACTICE: Put your faith into practice through positive engagement. A great way to do this is to send a written word of encouragement to your leader(s).

I believe that as Christians we have the mandate to demonstrate to the political world what true honor and respect [for our leaders] looks like in practice. If we, as individuals even commit to take the small step to cease speaking death over our leaders, and instead speak words of life, it will not only change our hearts, but may perhaps help to change the hearts of those around us.

“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 12:36-47

Looking for an opportunity to PRAY for our leaders? Sign up for our WEEKLY PRAYER TEXT HERE