Bob Utley, a renowned theologian, once said, "The tongue can be a great blessing when controlled and energized by God, but a terrible, destructive force in the hands of the evil one." This statement resonates with the teachings of James in the Bible, who urged believers to examine the quality of their faith, particularly in how they communicate with one another.
According to James, genuine faith inspires good works and positively impacts our obedience to God and how we treat others. One specific area he focuses on is our speech. He uses various metaphors, like a horse's bit, a ship's rudder, and fire, to illustrate the profound influence our words can have.
The Consequences of Teaching
In the New Testament, James cautions believers against becoming teachers, as they will be held to a higher standard and face stricter judgment. This warning comes from the understanding that teachers have the potential to impact lives significantly, either leading others towards Christ and sanctification or astray with false ideologies. Hence, I emphasize the need for those who teach to be called, gifted, disciplined, knowledgeable, and live a lifestyle consistent with the Scriptures.
The Impact of Words
James points out that our words can have a significant impact, both positive and negative. He uses the examples of a horse's bit and a ship's rudder to illustrate how something so small can control something so large. He compares the tongue to a small fire, capable of causing widespread destruction. At the same time, he recognizes that if controlled, the tongue can bring encouragement, support, and comfort to others.
The Challenge of Taming the Tongue
Despite the potential for good, James acknowledges the difficulty in taming the tongue, particularly without divine intervention. He emphasizes that maturity can be measured by how we speak and that our speech gives evidence to our spiritual maturity. He also warns against hypocrisy in our words, for out of the same mouth can come both blessings and curses.
Action Steps
Examine Your Words: Spend some time reflecting on your words and their impact. Are they more often a source of encouragement or discouragement? Do they build others up or tear them down?
Seek Divine Help: Recognize that taming the tongue is not something we can do in our own strength. Pray for God's help in controlling your words and making them a source of blessing to others.
Practice Mindful Speech: Before you speak, think about your words. Are they necessary? Are they kind? Are they true? Make a conscious effort to speak words that reflect your faith and align with the teachings of the Bible.
Here is a link to the sermon “What is the quality of our words?”