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April 3 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God. James 3:7-9. James is explaining the most vicious attribute of man’s inheritance from Adam—the tongue. We all have experienced this tool of the flesh that often seeks only to belittle others, or even worse, to curse and criticize them. The flesh loves to look down upon our fellow man—all the while trying to build ourselves up in our own eyes. But God has the perfect cure for all of this. He has chosen to put the old nature to death at the cross, and then to make us a new creation in Christ. We need to latch onto this great truth and accept Jesus into our lives by faith. Yes, I know how to praise God with my tongue. Yes, I can say the right things at the right time—but not often enough. And when things go wrong I am too prone to see faults of others. Oh Lord, make me change my ways! James compares our tongues to the rudder of a ship. Although it is small it can steer me into sin. Our dilemma is one of our own making, for we need only to see that the new creation within knows nothing of this sinful nature. We need only turn to the Holy Spirit and His guidance to see how real control is achieved. Our thoughts need to realize our citizenship in heaven and the glory that awaits us. The tongue is to be used for praise to the Lord in this new creation. Father, we wonder how it is that You can love us and deal with our shortcomings. You are the tower of patience and grace that we need. Let me walk in Your love today without the pain of a word misspoken toward others. You will sustain me. Amen. |
