Recently while reading through the Book of James, James reminded me once again of the power we each have.
It does not matter who you are, what you do, what education you have, or anything else; we all share the same power.
The power we share can build nations or tear down nations. Our power can help communities or hurt communities. This power we possess will either bless a church or harm a church. With this power we either build people up or tear them down.
Friends, all the inventors of the world have failed to create a meter to measure this kind of power. In fact, today, we are no closer to describing this power – your power – than when James described it to his congregants scattered all over Asia Minor from the Church of Jerusalem.
You ask, “What power?” Let me explain.
Every Person’s Single Most Powerful Tool
Pastor James describes this powerful tool for us. He writes:
5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 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 3:5-10)
The tongue has power over our entire bodies. Further, it also maintains the power to worship or condemn. Both the first and second Great Commandments depend upon the power of the tongue.
As you know, Pastor James here essentially conflates the tongue with the heart. In other words, the tongue represents and tells the secrets of the heart. What the heart lives for in the midst of all our various pressures rushes forth through the tongue. What rushes forth either conforms to the passions and values of Christ or does not conform to it. As it does, the tongue builds up, helps, and encourages. As it does not, the tongue tears down, hurts, and discourages.
What Do We Do with Our Tongues?
We seek to control our tongues as we can through the power of the Spirit. We certainly fail to control our tongues on our own. It is impossible. However, through the Spirit, we can engage in this battle for the glory of God (cf., Gal 5:13-26).
What a joy to know that we can use our tongues to bless, help, build up, encourage, and love. Think about the great possibilities! The same power that corrupts and damages is the exact same power that nourishes, strengthens, and restores.
We engage each other today with great possibilities and opportunities. Our tongues either minister to others today or do the work of the devil. We consider these options and yearn earnestly for God to receive the glory and that our brothers and sisters-in-Christ might receive the blessings. Please use the Spirit to work in our hearts enabling this great work.
The power to build up, bless, encourage, and nourish. What an incredible power!
On this Sunday…let us take advantage of our opportunities for the glory of God in the love of Christ.
If you do not have a church home, feel free to worship with us either in-person or online at 10:00 AM CST. You can get directions online at www.sonrisebaptist.com or can join our service online.
Image Credit marco allasio
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
