By Harley Haliburton
Space shuttles reach astounding speeds to carry men to outer space. Hurricanes are able to produce massive amounts of energy that lift the seas off the ocean floors. Tornados cause the loss of property by tearing houses and buildings to shreds. However, the power of the tongue remains unmatched. James compares the power of the tongue to the influence a tiny rudder has on a great ship. This small object is able to steer large ships through the paths of the sea. He then warns us of the tongue, a small member of the body, and the great danger that it can bring about. “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8).
Though James writes that no man can tame the tongue, this does not mean that we cannot control it. To believe so would be contrary to the Word. So what does James mean? He is simply warning us of the danger that is ever present is the tongue. Because the danger of the tongue is ever present, we must always be on our guard.
The tongue is a world of iniquity (James 3:6). With so much power in the tongue, we must be careful with how we use it. In a society that demands little to no control over our words, this can be a struggle among Christians today regardless of age. It is easy to get caught up in the lying that goes on at school or the gossiping among friends. Both of these acts are sinful. John writes in Revelation 21:8 that liars will have no part in Heaven. Furthermore, in Ephesians 4:25, Paul commands us (through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) to speak only truth. In 1 Timothy 5:13, Paul writes that we should not be “tattlers” or “busybodies.” But these are not the only acts concerning the tongue that Christians must avoid. No Christian should ever tear others down (Ephesians 4:25), speak angry words (Proverbs 15:1), or use foul language (Colossians 3:8).
There are, however, many ways in which Christians may use their tongues for good and for the glory of God. It is through the use of our tongues that we can help our fellow laborers in Christ. In Ephesians 4:29, Paul writes to us telling us not to tear others down but goes on to say that we should use our words to edify each other. Not only are we to encourage one another, but we should teach others about Christ. Mark records the words of Christ when our Lord said, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Even in a world with great advancements in technology, there is still a place for our tongues in saving souls. As Christians, we should “warn the unruly” (1 Thessalonians 5:14), speak of our faith (Romans 10:9-10), and honor God (Hebrews 13:15).
The world has given us the false idea that one may be a Christian part of the time and the other part he/she may act just like the world. James clearly condemns this behavior. “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a fountain send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh” (James 3:10-12). Can a Christian act like a follower of the world? The answer to this question is obvious––most certainly not. A Christian will either imitate Christ (1 Corinthinans 11:1) or imitate the world. James is saying (again, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit) that we must decide what to do with our tongue. “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). It is your choice. What will you decide?
