Untamable

This morning James challenged me to do something impossible:

Tame my tongue!

Staying cool in the Texas heat

Lately it has been difficult to have the self control to BE QUIET!

The Word tells us how powerful our tongue is.

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.
Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.
Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.
Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue.
It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
James 3:3-10

 

At first glance I felt a bit hopeless... it's right there in God's Word - it's impossible to tame the tongue. I thought, "Well, I must not be the only one who struggles with this if it's impossible!".

But then I read it again. See the words in bold? "No Man" - which leaves room only for divine help.

Then I looked around that section of verses. It's sandwiched between the faith/works duo and the description of heavenly wisdom. Oh my!

To me, in my life right now, this encourages me to have faith in God that He is working in me as I ask for His help with my emotions and what I say to others. I can have faith and BE QUIET! I can have faith and trust that God will work things out for my good as I don't take everything into my own hands.

Also, I need God's great wisdom that is, "first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." (James 3:17) That's the kind of lineup that I want in my life!

I just happened to glance in the front of my church meeting journal today and guess what I came across?!
In January 2010 I was asking God for the same thing! I was studying James and learning about wisdom and taming the tongue. This woman needs to be reminded over and over of such elementary principles! I hope that this time around the lesson sticks.

I pray that this small study encourages your heart! Have faith in God and seek wisdom from above - He alone is faithful!

Sooo looking forward to posting more food for thought as well as some great recipes this week!

Blessings!

Megan