Let There Be—The Power of a Leader’s Word

Words hold power. From the very beginning of time, we see this truth unfold in the creation story. The book of Genesis opens with God speaking the world into existence. “Let there be light,” He said—and light appeared. God’s word shaped the universe, bringing order, beauty, and life into being. It was majestic, powerful, and intentional.

This same principle applies to leaders today. Where the word of a king is, there is power (Ecclesiastes 8:4). Leaders, whether in families, businesses, ministries, or nations, are called to ascend to a spiritual throne in their spheres of influence. Their words have the ability to build, shape, and inspire—or to tear down and destroy.

The Source of Power in a Leader’s Word

For a leader’s words to carry true weight, they must be anchored in divine wisdom and backed by God’s authority. Leadership is not just about direction; it is about inspiration and transformation. When leaders align their speech with God’s purpose, they unlock the potential in others and call forth greatness.

Consider Jesus, the ultimate leader. When He called His disciples, His words weren’t just instructions—they were declarations of destiny. To Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, He said:

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)

With that one statement, Jesus transformed ordinary fishermen into apostles who would change the world. His words identified their hidden potential and began the process of shaping them for their divine assignment.

Jesus continued to affirm, teach, and build up His followers, speaking life into them even when they doubted themselves. He called Peter the “rock” upon which He would build His church, despite Peter’s flaws and failures. Such is the power of a leader’s word when it is rooted in vision and spoken in faith.

The Weight of Negative Words

But not all leaders wield their words wisely. The Bible offers sobering contrasts. One striking example is King Saul, whose words often reflected insecurity and fear rather than faith and vision. At one point, Saul cursed his own army, declaring that anyone who ate food before evening would be cursed (1 Samuel 14:24). This rash statement weakened his men and nearly led to the death of his son Jonathan, who unknowingly violated the command.

Saul’s words reflected a lack of alignment with God and resulted in confusion, fear, and disunity. This example reminds us that negative, careless speech from a leader can have devastating consequences.

The Responsibility to Speak Life

Leaders must remember that their words are seeds planted in the hearts and minds of those they lead. When watered with faith, encouragement, and vision, these seeds grow into confidence, strength, and purpose. However, negative words can plant doubt, fear, and discouragement, stifling growth.

It is a leader’s responsibility to:

1. Speak with purpose – Be intentional in calling out the best in others.

• Speak with faith – Declare what is possible, even before it is visible.

• Speak with love – Ensure words are constructive, not destructive.

• Speak from a place of inner knowledge – Recognize the hidden treasures in people and help bring them to light.

A Challenge for the Year Ahead

As we step into this year, let us be intentional about harnessing the power of our words. Whether you lead in your home, your workplace, your church, or your community, commit to speaking life.

Track the impact of your words. Speak declarations of growth, success, and transformation over those you lead. Watch as your words, like seeds, begin to take root and flourish.

Let there be light. Let there be purpose. Let there be greatness. And let it all start with the power of your word.