Have you ever given your tongue much thought ? It is a amazing part of the body.
We taste our food with it, we use it to sing and speak with, and to lick delicious lolli-pops.
He also refers to the tongue as a restless evil that is full of poison.
I was in the mall the other day and heard a young lady, probably in her 20's, talking to two young men. She was very beautiful, but the language coming out of her mouth was very filthy, using this language it really took away from her beauty.
As Christians we are to strieve daily to be like Jesus and I can't see Jesus using profanity or speaking rudely to others. I also cannot picture Jesus running from person to person spreading gossip and lies about others.
James writes in verses 9-12 about how we Praise our Lord and Father, and with the same mouth, we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.
How we use our tongues is very important in our walk God. Our speech is a witness to all the world concerning our relationship with God. We have a choice as christians to use our tongues in a good way or a bad way. This choice will affect our witness to the world. Do you wish to live a life that is good and peaceful? Then watch your tongue!!! Keep your tongue from gossiping and carrying lies, keep your tongue from lashing out at people with harsh and profane words!!! Turn away from evil and only do good. God tells us to live at peace with everyone.Romans 12:18
As a christian you may be thinking that you never use profanity so you are okay, but to speak to another person with anger and rage is still damaging and cuts like a knife. Those words you just spoke can also cause the other person to react in a negative manner and thus begins the mud-slinging. In anger things are said that can never be taken back. I know from experience that I have said things that I wish I could take back.
Another way the tongue is damaging is by using it to gossip or spread a complete lie. How may times do we hear something concerning another persons life and we feel it is our duty to inform our entire town,city and state, now we may not even know if what we are repeating is the truth but we repeat it anyway. Gossip is dangerous, extremely dangerous. I have seen gossip destroy a good reputation, I have seen gossip destroy friendships, I have even seen gossip cause a marriage to end. James refers to the tongue as a small spark that can cause a great forest fire.James 3:5-6
Have you ever thought of how many lies the tongue tells. Usually what happens with lying is after you tell one lie to have to keep telling them to cover your tracks. The truth is so much easier. James 4:11-12
Our tongues when used the right way can be a blessing to everyone around us. If we hear a tale about our brother or sister in Christ, it is better for us to either ask them about it privately or to keep silent and pray for them. I know if someone were telling tales about me I would want to know what was being said, instead of the tale being passed from person to person and getting bigger and bigger.Proverbs 12:18
Our tongues can bring someone down or lift them up. Have you ever met a person who wants to do nothing but talk negative about others and life? I try to avoid people like this or if I am around them I will not partake in their conversation. I prefer to be around positive people that choose not to gossip.
The tongue cannot be used to Praise God one minute and then scream, yell and curse a spouse, friend or stranger the next.
A true follower of Christ seeks only to please God. Let me repeat that...A TRUE FOLLOWER OF GOD SEEKS ONLY TO PLEASE GOD. God IS NOT pleased with a wicked tongue. Matthew 12:33-37
What we speak with our tongues is a product of what we have in our hearts. If we carry bitterness and hate in our hearts for even one person it will be revealed in our speech.
As christians we are to use our tongue for good. I get so excited when Saturday night rolls around, because I know the next day is Sunday and I have the priveledge of going to God's house. Standing in services on Sunday singing praises to God is the highlight of my week. I am sure when we sing praises to God it pleases him, but what about when we leave the building to go home.
Can we even begin to comprehend how much pleasure we bring to God when we use our tongues in the right manner.? When we choose to use our tongue to uplift others and encourage them , this brings great joy to our Heavenly Father. Ephesians 4:29
By speaking with a gentle and loving voice we can make our marriages better, we can turn away anger, we can improve another persons day and we can be witness to the world that God lives in us.
Do you love life??? Do you want to have a good Life???
Choose this day to tame your tongue. 1 Peter 3:10
As you go thru today try to do the following:
*Think before you speak, ask yourself if what you are about to say is uplifintg or if it is going to cause anger.
* Do not spread or even partake in the evil of gossip. Put yourself in the other persons shoes
and think how you would feel if lies or your personal life was being talked about.
* Ask yourself if God would be pleased with words that you are about to speak.
* Always remember this: Once the words are spoken they cannot be taken back !!!!!
I have a goal for myself today: To think about every single word I am about to say before it crosses my lips. and my prayer is for your day to be filled with sweet words.
WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?
Hear the Word of God: Romans 10:17 Acts 4:4
Faith:Hebrews 11:6 Acts 16:31
Repentance:Luke 13:3 Acts 17:30
Confession: Matthew 10:32 Acts 8:37
