The other day I was pulling through Whataburger for a quick sandwich. In the busyness of the day, I had worked through lunch and found myself in mid-afternoon without having had anything to eat. Pulling up to the menu (in the drive-thru), I ordered a sandwich and nothing else. The person on the other end of the speaker began to demonstrate their suggestive sales techniques. Here’s what almost, but didn’t catch me. She said, “Would you like some HOT fries with that, too.” I actually paused for a moment to consider the suggestion. Something in that statement actually made that suggestion palatable. The use of the word “hot” created a mental picture that caused me to consider what “hot” fries with a little salt and ketchup might taste like. Then is dawned on me. The use of one small but purposeful word made all the difference in this mental image. She could have said, “Would you like some fries with that, too.” With that statement, I wouldn’t have given it a second thought immediately dismissing the idea from my mind. But, “hot” fries – now there’s a different thought all together. For those of you wondering, I didn’t order the fries even though I did think about it.
I tell this story to illustrate the power of words. In this case, it was the power of one word. In words we have the power to build up or to tear down. We have the power to inspire victory or defeat with words. Think about the words you’ll use today. Your words could alter decisions, choices, direction, and even lives. Choose your words wisely and give them away intentionally.
A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11
