James 3:6-10 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 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. (ESV)
The human tongue causes many issues! It is impossible to tame. The Bible describes it as a "restless evil, full of deadly poison" (James 3:8). This is so very true. After all, look at the damage the tongue can cause:
- The harsh words of "cool" kids can make a child not want to walk outside the front door.
- The cruel words of an employer can make a hard worker hate his job.
- The critical speech of peers can lead to insecurity and self destructive thoughts...and sometimes actions.
Yet the tongue can be a force for good too! A word of encouragement, love, support, or advice can lead to the overcoming of depression, anger, doubt and many other daily obstacles.
Here's the thing: We praise God while cursing His creation, made in His image. In a sense we are cursing God by doing that.
As Christians we need to work on taming the tongue. There is nothing I can think of which causes more damage to our witness than our tongue. For we speak rashly many times a day: at work, at home, at school, with friends, out shopping, etc. We need to make sure we use it for building others up, teaching the gospel, praising God, giving thanks and expressing love to one another.
We should not use it to gossip, slander others, complain, lie, hurt, curse or destroy. These things break us away from the many blessings God wants to bestow upon us.
But it goes beyond just encouraging people. What we talk about is important too. In Ephesians we read "Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:4) and "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret" (Ephesians 5:11-12).
As Christians we should not take part in the vulgar and rude conversations that many people have. I know this is difficult. We are surrounded by people who tell dirty jokes, cuss constantly, gossip horribly, gallantly brag about their own sexual immorality, discuss all kinds of things that would make a grandmother blush, and go into explicit detail about all means of wickedness. Many of them don't even realize that they are sinning in the process. However, as a follower of Jesus we are not to partake in such conversations. We need to lovingly correct our brothers and sisters when they do this. (Galatians 6:1)
There have been too many times that I have had to tell someone that I would prefer not to discuss something and they just don't get it. They think it's weird that I don't talk like "everyone" else. But guess what...this is one way we can stand out from the world. Let people know you don't talk like that because you wish to honor your God and Savior! The Bible says Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
Be thankful to God for everything. Praise Him all the day long. Pray constantly. Be a blessing to others. Lead others. Teach others. Forgive others. Love everyone. Most importantly, love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your strength and with all your mind (Luke 10:27).
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