"And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell...But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude (likeness) of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be."
James 3:6-10
It is interesting to me how God brings Bible truth and verses to His children to study and meditate. His timing always amazes me. It shouldn't...but it does. I thought last week's junior church lesson was perfect for our group. Our children are coming to summer vacation. They have more time to spend with each other and friends. Undoubtedly, there will be times of angry exchanges and fights. Our lesson was on anger. This week's lesson was on forgiveness. Little did I realize...I would be struggling with these same exact issues! I have always considered myself to handle things correctly...biblically. But lately...there has been a huge struggle within my heart in how I want to respond. As I sat and listened to Mr. Ted...he wasn't speaking to the children...he was speaking to me!
"Are you lighter fluid? Or are you the lid?"
Our tongues are fire! For some reason, Christians forget this. We see it as our right to talk and "get people to see things from our perspective" or "to give the facts that clarify things". Usually...talking about something that we weren't part of...the problem...nor would we be willing to be part of...the solution. We add fuel to the fire...not caring if facts are included or even true. We work among others...roasting and charring those who are affected by circumstances and choices of others.
I want to be a lid to smother those hurtful, scorching flames. I want others to know that is how I will respond. Where is that friend with the salve? Where are those who bind up the wounds? Why are people silent? Why is it so hard to minister to those who have hurting hearts? Why do we think praying about it is enough? Where are the fire extinguishers? Where are the fire-fighters? When fighting fire...in every other area of life...there is an attack on the fire to put it out and not let it get out of control!
For some reason...we don't take this approach when it comes to our tongues...because it might be offensive? Because people might get mad? What about those receiving the second and third degree burns from firey tongues? Can I say...once you are burned...scars are present forever!
After the fire has passed through and burned out...there are always remains of its work...ashes. The sad part...we call ourselves Christ's followers. Jesus Christ never left a trail of ashes as He passed by others...unbeliever and believer alike. I now understand this whole passage in James 3 much better...but not in the positive, protective way that God intended for it to be for us. I understand it as someone who has been feeling the licking, searing flames of uncontrolled tongues.
I will control my tongue.
I will show love.
I will seek to rejoice and "give unto them beauty for ashes...that He might be glorified."
Isaiah 61
I needed this reminder today!
"Jesus came to preach the Gospel to the meek, not the arrogant, and to bind up the broken-hearted, not the hard-hearted."
The lessons about anger and forgiveness were not just lessons for the children we have the privilege to minister to...the lessons were for me!
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