James 3:5
The scripture for today is James 3:5
James 3:5, Even so, the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. Behold, how great a forest a little fire kindles!
The tongue, though small, is a powerful member of the body. It controls the destiny of the person for good or evil. A thought has little power until it is expressed. Therefore, the ability to control the tongue becomes the most important quality that we can develop. A multitude of thoughts and ideas may cross one's mind but only those that are formed into words exert influence upon ourselves and others. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Proverbs 18:21 It is with the tongue that we express faith. It is through the confession of our mouth that we receive salvation. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved." Romans 10:9-10 Eternal consequences depend upon the use of the tongue. It can be used to honor and glorify God or to ignite the fires of destruction. There are only two spiritual influences that control us, the Spirit of God or the spirit of the evil one. Since the tongue has the potential to exert both evil and good influences the task of the servant of God is to ensure that their tongue is surrendered to the Holy Spirit.
In the last days the beast uses the tongue to blaspheme God and direct mankind away from righteousness. "And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven." Revelation 13:5-6 Those who align themselves with the enemy of God reflect the same rebellious spirit. "These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaks great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration for the sake of advantage." Jude 1:16 The same instrument that God made for praise, expressions of goodness and to promote His truth is used by the devil to promote fear, hatred, pride and all kinds of lusts.
As we daily immerse ourselves in God's Word and allow His Holy Spirit to fill our lives, we yield control of our tongues to the Lord. He provides us with the wisdom and power needed to control the words that we speak and how we say them. We cannot do it on our own, we need His help, He is our only source of wisdom and power. We must die daily to self and the influence of the world and earnestly pray that we may always speak in such a way that honors God and offers life to our fellow-man. "There is one that speaks like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health." Proverbs 12:18
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim