James on Speaking

James on Speaking
Just James
James 3: 1-12
James 4: 11-12

We are spending this season of Epiphany-the time between Advent and Lent that celebrates Christ being made known as God’s son in the book of James. Some great lessons…

Our next discussion in James is about something that has two sides: it represents the very best humanity has to offer, but also the very worst. It’s responsible for bringing laughter and love, but also responsible for wars and destruction. Of course I’m talking about the tongue. And wouldn’t you know it James has something to say about the tongue (slide).

James 3
1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 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. 5 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. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

Why should we try to control our tongue?

There is a correlation between what we say and how we act and feel. But there is actually evidence from research to prove it. (slide)

Benefits of positive speech
* Increased life span
* Lower rates of depression
* Lower levels of distress
* Greater resistance to the common cold
* Better psychological and physical well-being
* Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
* Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

When you think about it, this makes sense. The tongue is the main expression of our personality and usually calls forth an immediate reaction, of one kind or another, in others. Mean words have wrecked many a home, divided many a church, and sent unnumbered millions to despair and ruin. Yet we know many very religious people who seem never to make even the slightest effort to control their tongues.

James compares the tongue to the rudder on a ship or the bit in a horse’s mouth. Both are relatively small parts that have significant influence on the steering of the whole in one direction or another. Our words steer our lives and direct our destiny. Are you doing your best to control it?

7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

No human being can tame the tongue? If we can’t control the tongue why try? I can think of 2 reasons: 1) We can always do better and work towards perfection in Christ.
2) Which is better to put out fires or start new ones?

The “tongue of evil” James mentions refers to gossip, backbiting, rumor mongering, slander and other misuses of speech. Jewish writings condemn it severely. It says, “If one speaks with the tongue of evil it is though he denied God…The sin of the tongue is weighed equally with the sins of idolatry, sexual immorality and murder. Those 3 sins an Israelite were to give up their life rather than commit.”
If caught in any of those sins would result in death. The sin of the tongue is serious and not to be taken lightly.

One scholar points out that even true statements may be considered tongue of evil if relating them can cause damage. Examples: church-doesn’t do any good in the hallways or the coffee shop-if another church is struggling with a decision doesn’t do any good to air their dirty laundry or ours.

Out of the heart proceed all kinds of evils (Mark 7: 20-23) and the first place they go is the tongue.

What about this saying? (slide)
Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.
Power of words-should really be-(slide) sticks and stones may break my bones but words will really hurt me.
Words create worlds-a child who is abused-those words become their reality
If you tell your children they can do whatever then they’ll believe it
But are we any different? When someone abuses us or speaks negatively to or about us-it does affect us, but it doesn’t even have to be at us to affect us. Words directed at family and friends can affect us or at our church or our community-anything we care about. Story of Max and Shana not feeling well. How do words or the lack of words from God affect our relationship with God. Maybe because we’re doing all the talking… that’s another way to help control our tongue-speak less and listen more.

I love verse 9 because it cuts me to my core. We use the same instrument to praise God and curse others. Others that are created in God’s likeness- created in God’s image. What James is saying is that when we speak against others we are speaking against God and God’s creation and he continues that sentiment in chapter 4.

James 4
11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister[d] or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

James shows the absolute absurdity of one sinner setting himself up as judge over another sinner.

When someone wrongs me-I know they are created in your image, but why couldn’t they be closer to your perfect image, like me?
Or we hide behind prayers like this one from a recent hit song-I pray your brakes go out running down the hill, a flower pot falls from a windowsill and knocks you in the head like I’d like to, Pray all your dreams never do come true, pray tire blows out at 110

When we fail to love, we are actually breaking God’s law. Examine your attitude and action toward others. Do you build people up or tear them down? When you’re ready to criticize someone, remember God’s law of love and say something good instead. Saying something beneficial to others will cure you of finding fault and increase your ability to obey God’s law of love.

It boils down to choice-what will you choose to do with your tongue? Praise God or curse people, control it or let it run free, will you use your tongue to spread God’s love and Kingdom?