THE TONGUE IS A FIRE

          Our tongue requires constant vigilance.  No man can tame the tongue, James declares (Js.3:8a).  From the very beginning, God charged man- kind with the cultivation and care-taking of His creation (Gen.2:16).  God also directed man to have dominion over the creatures (Ps.8:6-7).  In this regard the human race has excelled.  Wildlife of all realms (air, land and sea) have been tamed by men and women:  parrots & falcons, horses & elephants, dolphins & whales.  For the most part - - you name it and man has tamed it.  But the tongue continues to be a restless evil full of deadly poison (Js.3:8b).  Yet there is hope.  With God’s help even THE TONGUE can be tamed.  Otherwise James would not have given the admonition, my brethren, these things ought not to be this way (Js.3:10b).  As Christians we must determine to harness our tongues for the glory of God. 

          So what’s your problem?  Is it anger?  Is it boasting?  Is it complaining?  Is it deceit?  Is it evil speaking?  Is it flippancy?  Is it gossiping?  We could work our way through the entire alphabet encountering words in every letter category that call for the taming of our tongues - - even those pesky letters like the “Q” (quarreling), the “X” (X-rated) and the “Z” (zounds).  Even those who seem so in control often struggle with hidden sins of the tongue.  One might dare to say:  I don’t curse; I would never slander anyone; I don’t have any anger issues; I always speak the truth; I never flirt; etc., but then they find themselves tripped up by talking arrogantly.  Tongue problems are PROBLEMS OF THE HEART (Lk.6:45). The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.  If you are willing to let the Divine Physician examine your heart, then it’s time to STICK OUT YOUR TONGUE! 

                                                                                     Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ