Today’s Devotion
Topic: Watch Your Tongue!
Text: James 3: 2
We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. Amen.
We like to quote the adage that “no one is perfect”; and yes Apostle James confirms that when he admits that “we all stumble in many ways.”
He is, however, quick to add that we are not completely helpless in the matter as we often like to project. Especially when we hypocritically act more like we have no control of the circumstances around us, so we just can not be perfect. The Apostle disagrees.
His reason is that, “Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check”. This is so because, “when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example; although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.” (vv 3-4)
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” (vv 5-6)
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?” (vv 9-11)
Beloved, why don’t you go through the day mindful of what you say, either to yourself or to others? It begins with the desire to be perfect just as our Father in heaven is. Then, love and respect for everyone regardless of the age or stature because you love them as yourself and also because they are created in the image of God.
Meditate on this and begin to pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you tame your tongue; to think through every word you’ll say before you let it out. That way, your words will edify instead of destroying, and encourage instead of discouraging. Always remember that those who are never at fault in what they say are able to keep their whole body in check. Practice this and be made perfect in Jesus name.
