Control That Tongue!

“The tongue is a small flame of fire, a world of evil at work in us. It contaminates our entire lives. Because of it, the circle of life is set on fire. The tongue itself is set on fire by the flames of hell.” James 3:6 (CEB)

Your tongue can say 90 words a minute! Who knew?? We have recently completed a month long series on marriage here at our church and one of the things that kept coming up in one discussion or another was one’s speech. What is said and how things are said are of utmost importance. That small part of our bodies can really cause trouble. On average, 4 inches in length, the tongue can stir up problems and as the verse above states is a flame of fire spouting evil!

As children, most of us were probably taught the saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Well, that’s not true, words can hurt, they will slice into the heart, mind and soul, often times causing irreversible hurt. How can we, as Christians, control the deadly flames from our tongues?

It takes deliberate and intentional thinking and a desire to “soften” our tongues. Here are a few ways to accomplish this task.

1. Dedicating our hearts, minds and souls to the Lord each and every day. When praise is chosen, we “sacrifice” slander, gossip, fear-based words, and the language of hell. In Luke 6:45 we find that, “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of!” What are you filling your heart and mind with?

2. Pray for discernment in your speech. Psalm 19:14 is a great verse to commit to memory for such times. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (CEB)

3. Confess and ask forgiveness for any unloving words or attitudes. ““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” James 3:2.

4. Practice speaking words of encouragement, comfort and edification. Ephesians 4:29 says this: “Don’t let any foul words come out of your mouth. Only say what is helpful when it is needed for building up the community so that it benefits those who hear what you say.” (CEB) In other words, from the lyrics of Christian artist Toby Mac, SPEAK LIFE!

In mentioning Toby Mac, I think the chorus of his song Speak Life can become our prayer today. Won’t you whisper it with me?

*Father God, I want to speak life not evil. Help me to gain control of my tongue so that I can…

Speak life To the deadest darkest night Speak life, speak life When the sun won't shine and you don't know why Look into the eyes of the broken hearted Watch them come alive as soon as you speak hope You speak love, You speak life,

Amen!

*addition mine*