READING: James 1-5
TEXTS AND APPLICATION: The tongue is a powerful thing — so powerful, in fact, that James says that no man can tame it (James 3:8). Listen to his words, both negative and positive, about the tongue:
James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, then his religion is useless and he deceives himself.
James 3:5-6 So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites. And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our bodies. It pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell.
James 4:11 Don’t criticize one another, brothers.
James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.
The same tongue can praise God and curse others in the same conversation — but such ought not not happen. Under God’s grace, we need to speak truth always, do it righteously, and pray for each other. If we prayed for each other rather than gossiped about each other, our churches would be stronger.
ACTION STEPS: Guard your lips today. Say nothing that would be displeasing to God.
PRAYER: “Father, I need your help to keep my mouth honoring You. Keep me from criticizing others, lifting up myself, and speaking moral filth. Remind me that a faith that is not indicated by a controlled tongue is a useless one.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Acts 15-16