November 4, 2010
James 3
Pastor Farrell Lemings
Have you ever made a statement and then wished that you could retract the words? Every one of us has probably experienced it more times then we would like to admit.
Recently I had an experience where I said something that was cutting and damaging to my son. Immediately I thought, “why did I say that?” I was quickly convicted, took ownership of my wrong and asked for forgiveness. Yet…why did it happen?
In James 3:1-12, was accurate in saying that our tongues, although small, can cause big problems. He used the analogy of a rudder on a ship, and how a little piece of wood has the ability to set the direction of the big ship. So it is in our lives. Our tongues have the potential to bring blessing or harm to others. Our words can set us up for success, or doom us to failure. Our words can build faith in our lives and the lives of others, or can bring doubt. It all depends on the words that we choose to speak.
A few points of action that will help you speak words that help instead of hurt:
- Surrender your words to Jesus and ask the Holy Spirit to help you speak words of life.
- Engage your brain before you open your mouth.
- Practice speaking words that encourage, bless and add value to others.
Don’t allow your tongue to wreck your life and the lives of others. Make a decision to be one who gives life to others through the words that you speak.
When asked about a historical figure (not from the Bible) that he would most like to meet, Grace Covenant’s Lead Pastor identified Abraham Lincoln, “a leader of integrity who led during a time of great crisis and tension, yet moved our nation forward united.”
