Today's Reading:O.T. - Esther 3 - 5
N.T. - James 3
I will be speaking about this text and topic at Evensong Worship, on Sunday evening, March 11.
Focus Verses: James 3:9-12
9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
Insight:
An undisciplined tongue is inconsistent with following Christ and honoring God. What we say is very important. If hurtful and careless things flow from our mouths, the praise we offer God may be nothing more than lip service. A mouth that says sweet things to God should not say bitter things to those God has created and loved. Being careful to say helpful, loving, and constructive words to others may be the best way to praise God with our mouths.
Response and Action:
I need to recognize the importance of my words and the need to choose them wisely. I need to see the connection between my words to people and my words to God. I must avoid a mental disconnect that allows me to offer words of praise to God, but be careless or hurtful in my words to people. I will ask God for the grace and guidance I need as I make every effort to be disciplined and helpful in my speech. I will strive to honor God in the way I speak to others, not just in the words I say to God.
Dear Lord, help me to be careful about my words. Grant me the grace to be disciplined in my speech. Forgive me for the times I am thoughtless or hurtful with my mouth. Teach me to be wise in my speech, that my words would honor you as they help and bless others. Amen.
Proverbs: 9:12
"If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."
Resources:
Leaving Ignorance for Awareness (Podcast / Listen or Download)
by Rob Bell (Mars Hill Bible Church)
This is a talk Rob gave last Sunday with lots of good insights about our mouths and words.
