FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022 SPIRITUAL THOUGHTS

 FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022 SPIRITUAL THOUGHTS

On Fridays I write about some spiritual thoughts. Today, controlling the tongue.

From James chapter 3:

Dear brothers and sisters,not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.

We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.

But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.  And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both freshwater and bitter water?  Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.

*****

OH MY!!!

Controlling the tongue.  “No one can tame the tongue”. It can praise God - and it can curse those made in the image of God.  

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.  (Ephesians 4:29-32)

*****

Yes, I know my tongue can give praise and encouragement (and I also know that it can gossip and cut others down.).  

My tongue is under the control of my brain.  I’m trying to be holy - and then - boom - I think or saw something stupid.  That’s not very good!!!  

Can I control my tongue?  Can I control my thoughts?  Can I be pleasing to others and to God?

I have to keep trying.  

LOVE WINS!!!

Karen White
August 19, 2022 ©