Slips of the tongue and gaffs are a common problem, but they
are not inherently wrong. Sometimes they happen because of lack of preparation,
lack of learning or just being tired. As we mature in our vocabulary and our
skills at talking, this happens less and less.
But this is not what the Apostle James attacks in the New
Testament. James is telling us that we have a problem, not with slips, but with
the intentions behind our words. There is a war waging every moment in our own
hearts and all to often we do not even realize it.
James uses word pictures for us to see how powerful our
tongue is. He uses the imagery of a bit guiding a horse, a rudder directing a
massive ship and a small flame igniting a forest fire. The seemingly smallest
and insignificant part shapes the whole. You see our words have a huge effect
on those around us.
“Sticks and stones may break my bones but word will never
hurt me,” is the biggest lie propagated as a child’s song of defense. If we all
admitted to ourselves, there are times we would have much rather have had a
broken arm then hear certain words spoken to us. Have you ever stopped to
wonder why that is?
I believe it is tied directly into who we are, who we were
created to be and the purpose we are here for. You see we are the result of a
spoken word by our Creator who spoke all things into existence. Our Creator
gave us an amazing gift of language to communicate with Him and with each other. It
is through words that He has revealed Himself to us. It is through words that
He reveals that we are created in His image and likeness. It is the Word He
gave us in order to reconcile us to Him. At the very heart of who we are is words, communication
and connectivity.
Words are so important to us, and yet there is a war waging
that we ignore or turn a blind eye to every day. It began in the Garden of Eden
when the enemy of our souls asked our mother “Did God really say…?” And it
continues on today. Often we allow our own words to be used by the enemy to
destroy each other. We speak out of turn, hurtful and angry words. We allow our
feelings, our circumstances and our attitudes to dictate what we say.
James say that anyone who can control what he says is a
perfect man, a mature man. He also helps us see that it is rare for someone to
be perfect at it. We all say stupid things and stumble with our words, but we
who call our selves Christians, are called to a higher purpose.
Our words are to be used to glorify God and build up others.
We are not to lash out in anger, or speak in perversion. No we are to speak in
holiness, in such a manner that reflects the one who came and died for us.
Words that are boastful, prideful, angry, jealous, selfish,
etc. are demonic, of the enemy and should be avoided. James asks us if a spring
produce both fresh and salt water? No, that’s absurd. His point is, if you have
been redeemed, the Spring of Living Water in you should produce a vocabulary
that exalts your Savior and builds up your brothers and sisters.
Listen to yourself. What words do you use? How do you
express your frustrations? How do you speak to those around you? Your
vocabulary is a good indicator of what’s going on in your heart. Take a moment
right now to ask the Holy Spirit to help you speak in such a way that brings
honor to your God!
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
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