Children say the funniest things sometimes but they are usually also very bluntly honest. Kids need to be taught what is socially acceptable to say and what is not. They also have to learn when to say something and when to be quiet.
We're quick to notice the slips of the tongue our children make, but often are not aware of our own.
As Christians, the representatives of Jesus Christ to this world, we should be very careful of what we say, when we say it and how we say it. James understood that though the tongue is a relatively small part of us, it has the capacity to cause great destruction.
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! (James 3:5)
As I was beginning to write this post, a thought crossed my mind regarding the events that took place on the Day of Pentecost. This post is not directly about how the Holy Spirit works in and through believers today, but take a look at Acts 2 with me for a moment...
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:2-4).
Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to give us power to live for and be witnesses of Him (Acts 1:8). (Again, this post is not about speaking in tongues. That's a discussion not relevant to this post, nor is it one I wish to have publicly here on this blog since it has a tendency to cause division. If you really want to discuss that topic please send an email to faithinreview@gmail.com)
When the Holy Spirit came, He did indeed and still does empower believers for victorious living. Speaking in tongues refers to speaking in other languages not previously known to the speaker. The body part - the tongue itself - was not set on fire.
The Holy Spirit does cause the fire of faith to grow within us. He does not set tongues on fire. Remember what James said?
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! (James 3:5)
What sets our tongues on fire? Sin. When we sin with our mouths, we kindle a blaze that doesn't just affect us, but also everyone around us.
The tongue of just one disgruntled, complaining employee can spread through an entire work force, creating a burning discontent. Just one disparaging comment about the pastor can grow into a raging fire of gossip with the power to destroy a ministry. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
You may think those are grossly exaggerated examples. Sadly, I've seen both happen. The tongue has the power to burn up marriages, destroy families and separate friends.
James had even more to say about the tongue...
Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be (James 3:10).
Our mouths were made to proclaim the praises of our Creator, not to gossip, grumble, complain or curse. It is easy to say the right things in church on a Sunday morning but what happens on the other 6 days of the week at home, at work, or out in public?
The wonderful blessing you and I have is the presence and power of the Holy Spirit living within us. We have the power through Him to overcome the tongue because Jesus conquered sin and death and hell in His death, burial and resurrection. So, really, we have no excuse for fiery tongues.
The psalmist knew the power of his own tongue and asked God for help controlling it.
Our prayer should be the same.
Its time to put the fire out.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer (Psalm 19:14).
Our prayer should be the same.
Its time to put the fire out.
{Daily Selah} is a mini-devotional, a pause to ponder about the Lord and how He wants us to live.
No comments:
Post a Comment