James 3:1-12
James 3:5-6
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, world of evil among the parts of the body. it corrupts the whole body, set the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
By: Rev. Aaron Sprock
James 3:1-12
(1) Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
(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.
(3) When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. (4) 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.
(5) 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.
(6)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.
(7) All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind,
(8)but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
(9) With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.
(10) Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
(11) Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?
(12) My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
Our Tongues are Wildfires
This year in Nebraska, you do not have to wonder about the destructive nature of fire. Unfortunately, we have seen more than our fair share of the destruction caused by flames ripping through the drought stricken land of western Nebraska. It is an AWESTRUCK experience to see a wildfire, ripping through the pine branches, knowing that there is absolutely nothing that you can do to stop the damage that it is creating. In this passage of scripture by James, we are reminded that just as wildfire has the ability to create great damage, so does our tongue.
James first piece of wisdom in this passage of scripture is to ask leaders if they really know what they are getting themselves into. So many people want to be in the spotlight, want to be able to lead, or want to be able to be teachers. However, do they really understand how God views the importance of the role that they have? In fact, he gives a stern warning, saying most of you who want to get into this should really think twice about what you are stepping into because if you do lead people down an incorrect path away from God the judgment that God will exhibit towards you will be quite strict. It is a reminder for us as leaders to really check the words that come out of our mouth, especially when teaching about God’s word. Every word should be used to remind those who listen how great and powerful God is, but how loving and grace filled He is as well.
This warning isn’t just for teachers, it is for all of us. James goes into great detail to show the power of our words and the power of our tongue. He paints a wonderful picture that is still relatable in our day and age. Whether it be animals or massive ships, they can be controlled by a small item like a bit or a rudder. In comparison to the rest of our body, the tongue is a small member, but we are reminded that out of the depths of our heart the tongue and the mouth speak (Luke 6:5). As a result of that, we can bring a large amount of joy to people, but we can also bring a large amount of hurt if we do not grasp control of our tongue.
While James is giving us a warning about the harm that the tongue can provide, he also provides us a solution to be able to use the tongue in an appropriate manner. We know that we are all called to bless the Lord and thank Him for all that he has given to us. In the same way, we can also use the words that are coming out of our mouth to bless people and encourage people and continue to remind them of the God who loves them. I hope that in your teaching and in your conversations with your family, friends and coworkers, you use the tongue to bring joy to others.
By: Rev. Aaron Sprock
Associate Region Minister
Pastor of FBC Chadron, NE