A Human Paradox

A Human Paradox

“But the tongue no man can contain; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8).

The apostle James shares with us a human paradox: “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be” (James 3:10). What we say and what we refrain from saying are very important to both the one speaking and the one listening. Proper speech is not only saying the correct words at the correct time, but is also controlling our desire not to say things that we shouldn’t. How does this killer function in our lives, and how can we use the tongue to bless rather than curse?

According to one researcher, people tell an average of fifty lies each day. Perhaps this is not accurate, but that is no reason for us to give up the battle against stretching the truth.

Did you ever notice people hurl insults and put-downs at the expense (all in fun, of course) of others without considering the painful results? Or parents who spend Sunday dinner roasting the pastor or others who dare to participate in the worship service? Or someone who shades the truth to protect their own image? Or spouses who, with heartless, cold generalizations, chip away at their relationship? Or well-meaning prayer warriors who broadcast other folks’ battle secrets to others? All which dishonors God!

I’m sure you get the picture. But if you don’t, we Christians, including this writer, often stumble into gifts of communication in the wrong way. By so doing, we either lead unbelievers away from our Lord or we cause fellow believers to become discouraged in the faith.

The tongue is you in a unique way. It is a tattletale that tells on the heart and discloses the real person. Every careless word that people will speak shall give an account in the Day of Judgment. “… by thy words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).

If no human being can control the tongue, why bother trying? It is true that a transformed nature will produce transformed behavior. James’ point in verses 3:7-8 is simply that the human tongue is innately uncontrollable and untameable. The paradox can be resolved by learning about damage control. It is better to control a fire rather than going around and setting new ones!

Do you want to help resolve a “Human Paradox”? Let’s join together and “speak evil of no man.” There is almost a constant tension between what is and what ought to be. The Holy Spirit will give us increasing power to monitor and control what we say. We ought to live righteously and grow in grace and knowledge and, oh, yes, control the tongue.

QUOTE: “I have never been cursed by the things I left unsaid.” -- Calvin Coolidge -- Dr. Henry Lutz is a retired pastor and a dear friend of the ministry of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 13; Lamentations 1-2; Hebrews 10:1-18

Great Quote: It is not a true Gospel that gives us the impression that the Christian life is easy, and that there are no problems to be faced. That is not the New Testament teaching. The New Testament is most alarming at first, indeed terrifying, as it shows us the problems by which we are confronted. But follow it-go on! It does not stop halfway, it goes on to this addition, this second half; and here it shows us the way in which, though that is the truth concerning the battle, we can be enabled to wage it, and not only to wage it, but to triumph in it. It shows us that we are meant to be "more than conquerors." Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Check out this weeks Stewardship Insight from George: http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com/