Week of October 11, 2009

James tells us that we can train all kinds of creatures, but we can't tame our own tongues. He tells us how, by the grace of God, we can purify our hearts. Here is the program: Submit yourself to God (James 4:7a), resist the devil (James 4:7b), and draw near to God (James 4:8).

Another friend has a bird who imitates the ring of a cell phone and then shouts, "Get the phone. Someone get the phone." This friend often reaches for his cell phone at the bird's imitation. It's no big deal to be fooled by a bird, but watch out for that dirty bird, the devil, who is always trying to trick us.

When we need to know if what someone is saying is wisdom from God. James gives us the criteria: Wisdom from God is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. (James 3:17)

A woman came to her pastor, heartbroken over the hurt she had caused by her gossip. "I am willing to do anything to make it right," she pleaded.

"Then meet me in the bell tower of the church with a feather pillow in one hour," the pastor instructed. Standing high above the town, he told the woman, "Cut open the pillow and throw the feathers to the wind." As they scattered over the village, the pastor said, "Now pick them all up."

"Impossible," she returned, and so it is with the wrong use of our tongues. We can be forgiven, but we can never recall evil words. May we ask for God to guide us as we practice these words in a children's song: Be careful little tongue what you say, for the Father up above is looking down in love, be careful little tongue what you say.

1. How have your words caused fire storms?
2. How difficult was it to clean up the mess made by your tongue?
3. Have you resolved to tame your tongue?