Power – raw power! I’m not referring to how much you can lift or the size of the engine in your vehicle or the pulling capacity of a winch. I refer to the power of your tongue. Jesus’ half-brother, Pastor James, compares the tongue with other small but very powerful objects like a bit in a horse’s mouth, a small rudder on a ship, and a small spark that can set an entire forest on fire. His point – the tongue is so small but incredibly powerful.
Today you have choices on how to weld that power. Each one of us come armed with options as to how we will use our tongue today.
Use Your Tongue for Good
Pastor James challenges us to consider the possible problems ahead in our day in regard to the tongue. James writes:
9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. (James 3:9-10)
James notices that in one moment we may be honoring God with our tongue and in the next cursing people. He observes that in one moment our words honor God and in the next moment words that do not.
Today, You Have a Choice
You choose what surges forth from your tongue. Therefore today, choose to honor God in your words. Look for opportunities for your words to build up others instead of tear down. Speak the truth in love. Choose to use words of kindness, compassion, and grace rather than anger, pride, and selfishness. Say “No” to opportunities to gossip.
Why? Because the power of your words should promote, encourage, build up, minister grace, and comfort – which honors Christ. Anything less dishonors our Savior and hurts others.
