Tongues-Power to Destroy
The tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. James 3: 5-6 (NKJV)
Words are like fire. It is difficult to control or reverse the potential damage.
The enormous forest fires we witnessed in California last fall were started with just a spark. The damage in so many cases left home owners with the task of rebuilding. Their homes are gone. They can rebuild, however, the house they once lived in will never be rebuilt as it was. There were firefighters making every attempt to control the damage but in some cases their task was impossible.
Our tongues are like sparks. The little words we say can create a fire in a relationship. When left to burn, the flames of our heated words begin to get out of control. Before we know it, our words have created so much damage, the relationship burns down to nothing. We can seek forgiveness, and try to rebuild what was lost, but it will never be the same. We had the opportunity to put out the flames early, but our pride bullied our heart, quenched the Holy Spirit which is our fire-fighter.
What words have you spoken to a family member, or to a friend, a stranger, a co-worker or even someone at church? Our words can burn and hurt a person for a lifetime, just like a fire can injure or destroy for a lifetime.
James also tells us in verse eight that no man can tame the tongue. So we ask "why try?" The answer is to reduce damage and avoid burning a relationship to the ground. We can put out the fire early and restore the friendship more easily. More importantly, God is glorified when we reject the power to destroy with our tongues.
The tongue is small, but has power to accomplish much. When we allow the Holy Spirit to control our tongue, we won't be afraid to say the wrong thing or even say the right thing the wrong way.
Our tongues also have the power to delight. Tongues that delight belong to those who meet Jesus each day and learn from Him and allow His Spirit to fill our hearts with His love and truth.
Heavenly Father, may the words I say each day bring you glory and edify those around me.
Janet Stutzman
Words are like fire. It is difficult to control or reverse the potential damage.
The enormous forest fires we witnessed in California last fall were started with just a spark. The damage in so many cases left home owners with the task of rebuilding. Their homes are gone. They can rebuild, however, the house they once lived in will never be rebuilt as it was. There were firefighters making every attempt to control the damage but in some cases their task was impossible.
Our tongues are like sparks. The little words we say can create a fire in a relationship. When left to burn, the flames of our heated words begin to get out of control. Before we know it, our words have created so much damage, the relationship burns down to nothing. We can seek forgiveness, and try to rebuild what was lost, but it will never be the same. We had the opportunity to put out the flames early, but our pride bullied our heart, quenched the Holy Spirit which is our fire-fighter.
What words have you spoken to a family member, or to a friend, a stranger, a co-worker or even someone at church? Our words can burn and hurt a person for a lifetime, just like a fire can injure or destroy for a lifetime.
James also tells us in verse eight that no man can tame the tongue. So we ask "why try?" The answer is to reduce damage and avoid burning a relationship to the ground. We can put out the fire early and restore the friendship more easily. More importantly, God is glorified when we reject the power to destroy with our tongues.
The tongue is small, but has power to accomplish much. When we allow the Holy Spirit to control our tongue, we won't be afraid to say the wrong thing or even say the right thing the wrong way.
Our tongues also have the power to delight. Tongues that delight belong to those who meet Jesus each day and learn from Him and allow His Spirit to fill our hearts with His love and truth.
Heavenly Father, may the words I say each day bring you glory and edify those around me.
Janet Stutzman
Labels: Janet Stutzman
posted by Becki at
3:45 AM
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