25 October 2005 Devotion for Today “Hung by the Tongue” James 3:1-5
1 My brethren, Mat. 23:8be not many masters, Luke 6:37knowing that we shall receive the greater Or, judgmentcondemnation.
1 Mat. 23:8; Luke 6:32 For 1 Ki. 8:46;2 Chr. 6:36;Prov. 20:9in many things we offend all. Ps. 34:13;1 Pet. 3:10If any man offend not in word, Mat. 12:37the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
2 1 Ki. 8:46; 2 Chr. 6:36; Prov. 20:9; Ps. 34:13; 1 Pet. 3:10; Mat. 12:37 3 Behold, Ps. 32:9we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
3 Ps. 34 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 Prov. 12:18the tongue is a little member, and Ps. 12:3boasteth great things. Behold, how great Or, wooda matter a little fire kindleth. (James 3:1-5)
The story is told of a young boy who was selling a push lawnmower. This Baptist preacher came along and wanted to buy it and asked if it ran. "Yes sir", said the boy. The preacher pulled and pulled on the rope and said, "Son, this thing won’t start!" The boy said, "That’s ‘cause you ‘gotta’ cuss it!" The preacher said, "Son, I’m a Baptist preacher, and I haven’t cussed in about 25 years." The boy said, "Keep pulling; it’ll come back to you!"
Old habits sometimes do come back to us- especially the habit of how we use the tongue. In fact, in many people the tongue is the one habit that was never truly sanctified. There is so much here to expound upon that time or space does not permit to recount the dangers, hurts, and agony the ill use of the tongue has either caused me, or caused to others through me. Gross misunderstandings have even occurred when I had been trying to think of something nice to say and it came out not sounding at all like what I had meant to say. That is the reason why James first of all tells us not to allow many of us to become teachers, knowing that we shall receive stricter judgment. By teachers James means teachers of the Word of God, for they are held to a higher standard. Every word which comes from the teacher’s mouth is going to affect the body of Christ in one way or another. Any one who teaches God’s word- professional or not- has the responsibility to be very careful in what he says. They set the example of demonstrating Christlike love and character before others. If their words sound crude, crass, or negative then the same light is cast upon the very character of Christ Himself. If the pulpit or teaching lectern is used to tear down instead of to build up, that person will be held accountable.
James says rightly that we offend or stumble in many things, and the one who can be most admired is the one who does not stumble with respect to the use of his tongue. James calls him a “perfect” man- not perfect in terms of sinlessness- but perfect in terms of being spiritually mature, able to impart grace when everyone else is sliding out of control. When this type of quality is present, it keeps everyone in the group thinking clearly and respectfully when the temptation to “speak one’s mind” is the greatest. As Christians we bear the responsibility of maintaining this kind of character at all time.
I will be dealing with the proper use of the tongue again. Considering the length of material to which James dedicates in this chapter, the subject matter cannot be emphasized enough. But in closing today ask yourself, “Do I demonstrate spiritual maturity by how I use my tongue? Where are there opportunities around me where the use of my tongue can demonstrate grace and blessing to people, and glory to Christ?
Have a blessed day!
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