By Tim Irving – Evangelism Team
James is one of my favorite NT books. It is full of practical advice on how to live and James doesn’t worry if he’s being politically correct or not in his delivery. He hits it hard when it comes to the topic of the tongue. “The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.” Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. I would wager that more people have gotten in trouble for things they’ve said than for things they’ve done! You need to use some thought to take an action but words can flow out of the mouth with little thought at all! As Christians, we need to be aware of what we say. The world is watching, and listening too! Take heed to what Jesus said, “that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.” David, far from perfect in his actions, sincerely wrote from his heart, “let my words be pleasing to You.” Are we concerned about the Lord’s opinion before we speak, does it ever occur to us? Solomon tells us in one of his Proverbs “a kind word makes a glad heart.” Are we striving to make glad hearts, in everyone, everywhere, with both our words and actions? We have opportunities, small and large, everyday to show kindness with our words and actions, and we should constantly be taking advantage of them. As James said, you can’t have fresh and salt water coming from the same spring. Don’t allow the woes and worries of the world turn you brackish! Strive to be a fresh spring of kindness, encouragement, and hope and then you won’t have to worry about being in the long line on judgment day!B