Why do we have such a hard time controlling our tongue? This week in reCharge we considered James’ words about this subject. Here is what James had to say…
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. (James 3:1-12)
It is amazing how a few words can destroy a relationship, a family, or even a church. Like a bit in the mouth of a horse, a rudder on a ship, or a small fire, this small part of our body can change the course of something much bigger.
The old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” is such a lie. We all can likely remember hurtful words that were spoken to us. For some of us, those words may have been spoken years ago, but their sting still hurts. Words have the potential to hurt in ways that sticks and stones never will. Physical wounds usually heal pretty quickly, but verbal wounds can last a lifetime.
When we talk to other people, we must always remember the potential we have to damage someone. We cannot praise God in one moment and curse someone who is created in His image the next. That is an inconsistency that reveals immaturity and contradicts the nature and character of God.
shine!
Jason
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