Dan Gould

Bible Challenge – James 3

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“Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.” James 3:2

Growing up as a teenager, I could cuss with the best of them! There was a time I would have been proud of that statement. But now, I work hard to control what I say. I wish I could say that I do this well all the time, but sometimes things slip, or I say things I shouldn’t, or I simply say to much.

But I don’t think I am the only one, I think maybe you have the same struggle when it comes to the words you use, how you use them, and where you use them. Words are powerful and the Bible says that “the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. it can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.” (v.6)

What you say and what you don’t say is important. Controlling your tongue isn’t just a matter of saying, writing, updating your facebook status, with the right words at the right time, but it’s also a matter of knowing when or what you shouldn’t say, write, or update your facebook status with.

James talks about a tamed tongue and an untamed tongue. One is controlled, one is careless. One is wise, one is foolish. One is helpful, one is hurtful. One is humble, one is boastful. One speaks Truth, one speaks Lies. One is positive, one is negative. Our words are powerful! Our words are important. How you choose to use your words says a lot about you and your relationship with Christ. How will you use your words today?

Father, today, help us control our tongue so that you can be glorified in all things today. Help us to think before we speak or write so we can use words of life instead of the careless words of this world. Help us to be wise in this area so it can begin to transforms the other areas of our life and our witness to our family, friends, and strangers. Let others see a difference in us by the things we say! In Jesus Name, Amen


Comments

2 responses to “Bible Challenge – James 3”

  1. Matthew Minor Avatar
    Matthew Minor

    Thanks for posting Dan. It really is amazing what words can do. The world has been changed many times by the words of a few people. We all know them. “I Have a dream…” “It is finished…” Just for a few examples. We may not be world leaders but we’re all leaders to someone and the words we use will guide those people. Personally I make the mistake of talking too much. I’ve always thought of “controlling your tongue” in the context of keeping it pure. I never really thought about taming it. You’re right, it’s not just about what words you use but how many and when. Thanks Dan. I know this takes a lot of time to do every night but we do read it so keep running.

  2. Jackie Sade Avatar
    Jackie Sade

    “The tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.” James 3:5

    I think that learning to control your tongue is one of the hardest things to do. James 3 says that “if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.” Words are the most powerful weapons in the world. What you say is important, but controlling your desire to say what you shouldn’t is also important. I think that along with acting on your beliefs, you should believe in what you say.

    Personally, I gossip, exaggerate, complain, and lie. It’s hard to control my tongue when everyone around me is tempting me to do otherwise.

    Today father, I pray that you help me to control my tongue, and to not be influenced by others. I pray that you help me stand up to temptation and to not be a slave to sin. Lord, you died for me, so I want to live for you. Thank you for all the people in my life. Thank you for the good times, and the bad. Thank you for your unconditional love and grace. Amen!:)

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