Everybody is talking
By George Stroh
August 12, 2013
"So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things" (James 3:5)
Most of my regrets are about things I wish I hadn't said, or about things I should have said, but didn't. Our tongues and our words are very powerful, like a power chain saw. When you need to cut down a tree, a chain saw used properly can help you get the job done quickly and efficiently. But everyone knows to be very careful because that powerful tool can also quickly cut off your finger.
Our tongues can be used in many good and powerful ways, including telling someone the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ. But that same tongue can also be used to do much harm; With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessings and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. (James 3:9, 10)
Obviously, when we are using a powerful tool like our tongue, we need to be careful. Just like it is impossible to un-ring a bell, it is impossible to take back a harsh, angry, profane, foolish or just unkind spoken word. We can apologize, and we should. But often irreparable damage has been done. And there are other times when we know that we should say something, but for whatever reason, we fail to do so. Again, that opportunity to bless God or others is lost forever.
Using our tongues in a way that is pleasing to God and a blessing requires us to not only be careful about what we say, but also how and when we say it; For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect (mature or complete) man, able to bridle the whole body as well. (James 3:2)
As Christians, you and I are stewards of the powerful word of God, the very mind of Christ. As such, we have the great privilege to bless and edify others with His word and to His glory. With our tongues we can evangelize, teach, encourage, and comfort others. And, in love and patience, we can also confront, reprove and rebuke when needed.
Yes, everybody is talking. But as Christians, we have some really powerful and important things to say. Maranatha!
|
