Self-Imposed Crises: Understanding the Power of Our Words
1 Corinthians 15:45 - Our True Identity
"And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit."
The first Adam was earthly, the second Adam—Jesus—was heavenly. We have borne the image of the earthly, but in Christ, we bear the image of the heavenly. This truth is the foundation of our worth and identity in God’s eyes.
Jesus likened the Kingdom of Heaven to a treasure hidden in a field (Matthew 13:44). A man found it, hid it again, and sold everything to buy the field. That man is Jesus, the field is the world, and the treasure is God's people. Jesus paid the ultimate price, not for the field, but for the treasure—us. We are not worthless; we are precious in God’s sight.
Yet, many believers struggle with a deep sense of worthlessness, often imposing crises upon themselves through negative confessions. This is not humility but unbelief. We must see ourselves as God sees us—valued, loved, and chosen.
Self-Imposed Curses: The Danger of Negative Words
Deuteronomy 27:18 warns against taking advantage of the blind, stating that such a person is cursed. Jacob, knowing this, feared being cursed instead of blessed (Genesis 27:11). His mother Rebekah took the curse upon herself, saying, "Upon me be thy curse, my son."
Many today unknowingly invite curses upon themselves through their words:
- “I am tired of living.”
- “I will never succeed.”
- “I am a failure.”
- “I just can’t take it anymore.”
- “I wish I were dead.”
When we say such things, we open the door for the enemy. Psalm 118:17 declares, "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD." If we have spoken negatively about ourselves, we must revoke those words and replace them with God's truth.
Biblical Examples of Self-Imposed Curses
- Peter’s Denial and Restoration
- Peter denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:61-62).
- After the resurrection, Jesus made Peter affirm his love three times (John 21:15-17).
- This was necessary to revoke the negative words Peter had spoken.
- The Jews Before Pilate
- When Pilate tried to release Jesus, the people declared, “His blood be on us, and on our children”(Matthew 27:25).
- This statement had long-lasting consequences—destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, Jewish persecution throughout history.
- God’s covenant protected Israel from external curses, but He does not protect us from the curses we speak over ourselves.
The Power of Words
Proverbs 18:21 states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Every word we speak carries weight—it either brings life or death. Jesus warned in Matthew 12:36-37 that we will give an account for every idle word spoken.
Many unknowingly bring destruction upon themselves by speaking words of doubt, fear, and failure. The devil gains access to us through our thought patterns and words. Philippians 4:8 instructs us to focus on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. If we do this, we will experience victory.
1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." The words we hear daily influence our lives. Lot’s righteous soul was tormented by the wickedness he saw and heard in Sodom (2 Peter 2:8). What we expose ourselves to matters.
How to Escape a Self-Imposed Curse: The RRR Principle
The Bible provides three steps to break free from self-imposed curses:
- Repent - Acknowledge the negative words spoken and repent before God.
- Revoke - Cancel and unsay those words, declaring that they no longer have power over you.
- Replace - Speak God’s Word over your life, affirming the truth of your identity in Christ.
Final Thoughts: Breaking Free from Self-Imposed Crises
We must stop declaring negative things over our lives. Instead, we must speak life, faith, and truth. Our words should align with God’s Word:
- "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14).
- "I am more than a conqueror through Christ" (Romans 8:37).
- "Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).
Just like in the movie RRR, where characters rise above their struggles through determination and belief, we must rise above self-imposed crises by embracing God’s truth. Reject every lie of worthlessness and walk in the abundant life Christ has given you!
Declare today: “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.” (Psalm 118:17)
