The tongue is a powerful force that is set among the members of our human constitution. With it can can build up and also tear people down. James begins his instructions on the importance of exercising control over our usage of words for we will have to answer before God for everything we say, for Jesus taught, “I tell you, on the day of judgement people will give account for every careless word they speak, (37) for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Mt 12:36-37). The words we use reflects the condition of our hearts (Mt 12:34). These truths are vital especially for those who teach the word of God according to James. This is partly due to the greater sphere of influence granted by God to a preacher of the Gospel. More people can either be helped or harmed by what we say. This is why James (who was also a pastor) confesses in the focus text, “For we all stumble in many ways…” Then he adds, “…And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body” (v2). James does not intend to imply such a person exist. There are none perfect with the exception of Jesus (cf., Rom 3:23). All Christians have sin and cannot obey God without the Spirit’s help. David guides us in the Psalms on how to pray to God for help to restrain and rule over our tongues:
- We pray that God serve as strong man over our mouths. We ask Him to stand guard like a centurion battling ungodly words that strive to break lose from our hearts and minds. We submit authority over our tongues to Him, like fire fighter ready to put out the flames before our words scorch the hearing of those around us. David petitions God, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” (Ps 141:3).
- We pray that the words we use shall be pleasing to him. This becomes possible when we cooperate with the Spirit’s renewal of our sinful hearts, which is where all our words originate from (good or bad). Solomon exhorts, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Prv 4:23). The more our heart is saturated with the Word of God, the more our words will reflect such condition and bring glory to God. This is why David prays, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (Ps 19:14).
Let us pray that God help us with our communication (and attitude) toward people. Let us ask continually, “Is what I am about to say God-glorifying?“ If it is not, we keep our mouth shut…….. we restrain ourselves from sending that text or posting that message on social media. Then like David, we go to God in prayer for help in this area. Though you and I stumble in many ways, our God is our immovable foundation and glorious light of truth.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com