February 22 Taming the Tongue James 3:1-18
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “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 saltwater 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. 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.” (James 3:1-18)
When we speak, who is motivating our words? When we engage others in conversation, who are we representing? Are we driven by our own thoughts and bias, or are we determined to be a true and committed witness for Jesus, in all conversations and actions? The depth of one’s faith and relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, is clearly expressed when we speak! If our basis for living is the pursuit of our own ideas and preferences, then our words are going to edify us, and not our Savior, Jesus Christ! Amazingly, and quite sadly, I was told, just recently that I needed to do my job! “How can you let this go on? Aren’t you supposed to stop this brand of evil and disruption? Why are you even here? Do you recall the scripture that describes the “Log in your eye, while criticizing the speck in your neighbor’s eye” (Matthew 7:3-5)? I understand disagreement, because I disagree with the faithless actions of many, but I continue to ask my Savior to continue to insulate me, empower me, and move me to a stronger and more active Faith in Him, and to be a witness for Him, in both words and actions! Why am I here? The Answer is that He has called me to be here and He has instructed me to be a “Peacemaker,” and that requires a growing Faith, a “bridled tongue,” and the ability to quench the fiery darts that come my way! The real question is, “Why are you here?” “Who do you serve?” “Are your words and actions edifying the Savior and encouraging others into a relationship with Jesus, or are your words and actions pushing people further away from a “saving” relationship with God?” “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3)… Your relationship with Jesus is entirely up to you! You can dabble around the edges of faith and never come to a “Saving” relationship and continue to create havoc and chaos and be a stumbling block to others that choose to accept the Grace of Jesus and submit their lives to Him and to live for Him in growth and gratitude and commitment! Every word, every action is an indicator of the depth of commitment and surrender! Proverbs 12:18 NIV speaks the truth about the tongue and its power to heal or destroy… “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Check yourself, expose your motives, and remember that your “tongue” (your words) can edify the Savior or they can destroy any witness that you possess! How will you live from this moment on? Will you speak harsh and condemning words that are motivated from your own human bias and opinions, or will you speak as a “Born-Again, Blood Bought Child of God?” You have the choice! You make the decision! Please pray before you cause harm and hurt feelings among fellow brethren! Final Thought: When you claim to be a Forgiven Believer, and you create issues that cause others to stumble and fall, you will be held accountable! Are you genuinely “saved,” or just going thru the motions? Is the idea of spending eternity in a burning Hell worth expressing your opinion and being stubborn about your way? Please claim Jesus, Live for Jesus, Speak for Jesus, and be Christ-Like in all that you do and speak! Stay strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
POSTSCRIPT: There is a young pastor that has gone through the “Fire” of self-righteous parishioners that have targeted him for criticism and for not supporting their narrow, personal, agenda, and he is now ready to leave the ministry and find a secular job in order to support his family! He called me and asked what I would do. My response is from a 69-year-old man, who has been around the “Church Block,” and I told him to “Target” these folks in Prayer! Pray for revelation, conviction and alteration of attitudes and actions for these folks, but first, pray that God would open your eyes to ensure that you are walking with Him, representing His Grace, and being Christ-Like in words and actions, and that your motives are pure and just! Once again, your opinion means nothing to God! Your submission, obedience and commitment mean everything to Him! I hurt for my fellow pastor, and I pray for resolution. He is discouraged, and depressed and the local church doesn’t seem to be concerned about him, but deeply concerned about their position, process and opinion! God told us that the path to Eternity with Him is Narrow, and that “FEW” would find the way… Sad, but true! Matthew 7:13-14 -“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”