Easier to Tame a Tiger; James

May the mumbling commence!

I have a deep respect for all teachers.  I pray for them daily.  In many ways, I am a teacher at heart.  But to be a teacher can be trying.  It is not easy.  Teachers are held to a higher standard.

There is power in what we say.  Power in our speech is a part of being made in the image of God.  And teachers are held to a higher standard.  Be careful what you say, teachers.  And I am speaking to myself as well.  Oh, that tongue is so hard to tame.  Read from James chapter three (NIV):

Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.  We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. 

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

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

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.  Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?  My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. (Verses 1-12)

Might as well try to tame a tiger than tame the tongue.  I may spend hours at a time thinking that I have a hold on my tongue; but, then, my tongue becomes disconnected with my brain and heart.  Then I say some pretty perverse things.

I spend my share of time praising God.  I also spend my share of time saying words that tear other people down.  Like James tells us – this is not right.

Have mercy on me, God.  Guide how I think.  Guide my attitudes.  Guide my words.  Guide my work.  I need you, Lord.

Enough mumbling for now…

Peace Out