Instruction
Scripture: James3:1-12
In the middle of his letter which confronts believers with
actions that do not match the confession of their lips, James turns to the sins
of the tongue as his next focus. After warning them about the stricter
judgement for teachers because of the importance of pure teaching, James
describes how people have been able to control large vessels and tame animals,
but the tongue is harder yet to control. This stands as a warning to God’s
people to be aware of the words they say and the harm they can do emotionally
and spiritually.
Teaching
What comes out of our mouths matters. James addresses this
on two levels. Firstly he speaks about teaching. A teacher is judged with
greater strictness because such a person should know what God’s Word says and
must be faithful to it. Yet we are all sinners and all stumble. Because of this
we should always pray for pastors and teachers of God’s Word that He would keep
their words faithful to His own. Secondly James addresses the regular everyday
temptations of the tongue, and in particular the hurtful words (cursing) that
we speak. He says this is like a spring that gives off salt water sometimes and
fresh water others. In nature that is impossible! In other words, as God’s
people our words should be consistent with our faith.
Life
Gossip, slander, cutting remarks, rude comments, degrading
statements, and the like should not be part of our lives. They are though. So
what does this mean for us? It means that we are sinners who have been forgiven
for our sin and still struggle with it. The key here is that we still struggle.
We should not give in to sinful patterns of speech which do not glorify God or
build up our neighbor, and the reason we should not is because we are forgiven
and redeemed people. We’ve experienced God’s loving Word spoken upon us, and as
bearers of the Word we speak it for others so they may be blessed by it through
us.
Prayer
This prayer is written
in the themes of Instruction, Thanksgiving, and Confession.
O Lord Jesus, James teaches us that our words matter. How we
speak of You and testify about what You have done for us and what You’ve taught
us is important because those words bear Your Word which gives faith and life.
Not only that, but our words have the power to bring death or life, despair or
encouragement, destruction or refreshment in the lives of others. Too often we
are a mixture of the two!
Thank You for the forgiveness You won for we who stumble in
many ways, including our words. And thank You for giving us words with which we
bless You as our Lord and praise our Father in Heaven. Thank You for Your
Spirit’s work in us to tame our tongues.
Forgive us for our inconsistency as we go through life
speaking both curses and blessings. And forgive us for when we have spoken of
You or Your Word incorrectly. Too often our tongues have been guided by anger
and hurt feelings, and not often enough guided by Your love. Forgive us! Amen.
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