Thursday, November 14 - James 3

Taming the Tongue

3 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. ² We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

³ When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. ⁴ Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. ⁵ Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶ The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
⁷ All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
⁹ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. ¹¹ Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹² My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
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TONGUE DEPRESSING
  While James speaks in very strong terms here, I do not believe he is overestimating the power of words to wreak havoc among people and even among Christians.  As a pastor, there is no doubt that the power of the tongue outweighs sicknesses, hardships and tragedy as the number one thing that brings trouble to the church.
   It's no surprise really.  It seems so harmless to chatter on about someone -- or to relate a juicy piece of gossip that will tickle the ears of another.  And it seems so important that our opinions be voiced -- that we get "our way."
   I wish I had a dime for every time, as a pastor, that I spent significant hours trying to help one person understand another's perspective, or why another person spoke harshly, with exaggeration, or with strong tones.  I'd be a very wealthy man!!
   Satan loves to use misspoken words to tear down and destroy. 
   In contrast, the Spirit of God, who has even greater power, enables God's people to be different.  He helps us to support and encourage one another with uplifting words -- words that show genuine love and concern.   He also uses prayer as His tool to help us let go of our burdens and struggles so that we can focus on ways to help one another.  And, of course, our words of praise and thanksgiving to God for His goodness and blessings are always good fuel to build up our fortress against the negative power of the tongue.
   Try an exercise this week.  Whoever you move from your house into the public arena, try to make the first words that come from your mouth be words of encouragement.   See if it doesn't help bring blessing to your conversations and to your day.
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Two Kinds of Wisdom

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵ Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. ¹⁸ Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.