Monday, November 25, 2013

One Thing We Should Rule

As believers there are many things we can do to walk out our lives with God. Perhaps none is more important than to watch over one thing that has great power. That one thing is our tongue. James made a strong point of this in his letter.

James 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

In this chapter James was making a point. At one time I thought the point was that controlling our speech was not possible. I no longer believe that. I believe he was trying to point out how powerful the tongue really is, that it can change the very course of our life and the lives of others. For us to use it recklessly is not good, for we can harm others and ourselves. Instead, as he says in the last verse, we can use it to bring peace, to encourage others and ourselves.

James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

It is up to us really. Will we do God’s work to bring peace and wholeness into our life and the lives of others, or will we instead cause damage and harm. WE choose.

Prayer
Father, we praise You as King. Your thoughts are pur, holy, righteous, and merciful. Help us to bring these same thoughts into our minds and hearts by the words we speak. Help us to learn to speak the words You would have us speak, and only those words. Help us to sow peace. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.