“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 (NLT)
One of the ways that James has been kicking my tail lately is in the area of words. James seems to keep bringing up the issue from time to time to the point that it seems to be one of his main concerns throughout the letter. Then, in this one passage it all seems to come together. It shows us the centrality of learning to control our tongue. When we learn to control our tongues, it seems that we can control everything else too.
I’ve been experimenting with this lately. While I did not question that this was true, I didn’t realize the depth to which this affects me. This especially affects my humor. It keeps me cautious about the jokes I tell and how much I bring humor into situations. So often I cover up the depth of personal conversations by simply adding humor rather than going deep. I have realized that it is next to impossible to be the jester and the prophet at the same time.
But what I also realize is that when I focus on guarding my tongue, the other parts of my life tend to mature as well. Taming my tongue is a great way to whip the other parts of my life into shape as well. I’d challenge you to consider it as well. What does your tongue tell you about the rest of your life?
Blog Archive
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2008
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June
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- Lovers of Peace
- Purity and Wisdom
- Reflections of the Heart
- A Consistent Tongue
- The Wildest Beast of All
- Garbage
- Combustible Words
- In Full Control
- Teachers
- Finding Faith in Unusual Places
- Faith, Works, or Grace?
- Training with a Purpose
- Monotheistic Demons
- Evidence that Matters
- Faith and Works
- Scissors and Submarines
- Mercy or Judgment?
- Where's the Grace?
- On a Pedistal
- Learning from the Poor
- Is it Just Wealth?
- Playing Favorites, Part 2
- Playing Favorites, Part 1
- Glory and Favoritism
- Pure and Faultless
- Widows and Orphans, Part 3- Is there anyone else?
- Widows and Orphans, Part 2
- Widows and Orphans, Part 1
- Tightening the Reins
- Labels are for Soup Cans
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June
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About Me
- Dustin Fulton
- Dustin has served as the Preaching Minister here at Jeff Street since 2006. Prior to JSCC, he served ministries in Mason City, IL and Hannibal, MO. He is a graduate of both Hannibal-LaGrange College and Lincoln Christian Seminary. Dustin’s office is currently a shrine to the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field. Fellow Cubs fans are welcome to come and mourn the 100 years of suffering with him. He has been married to his wife, Kristen, since 2005. She faithfully spends her summer vacations following Dustin in his quest to watch a game at every MLB stadium (17 down, 13 to go!).
2 comments:
Since your sermon on Sunday, I have been putting my "tongue" to the test. And have to admit that I have realized I use it for bad more than good more often than I thought. Making myself more conscientious about using my words has helped me approach certain somewhat negative situations in a much more positive manner. That's just in a couple of days - I wonder what it will be like in a month! :) Sincerely/JanellW
It is funny you mentioned that--I think that our speech is one of the most convicting parts of the Bible. Whenever I've heard it preached on, it seems like it always leaves an impact. I had several people this week mention to me that it has really gotten to them in a good way.
I think the question you raise is a good one--what will it look like in a month? A lot of that comes back to what we intentionally do to keep it in the forefront of our minds. How can we keep it in front of us? What kind of reminders can we give to ourselves or to have others remind us? Thanks for your post!
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