Consider this:
"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 body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being 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 human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water." - James 3:3-12
My tongue is a world of trouble.
I have read this passage many times before but it wasn't until this morning that it really meant something. For the past month or so I have been remembering the shame and embarrassment I have felt from the words that have come out of my mouth. I think back on times where this has happened and all I can see is hurt that I have inflicted on others. For any of you who still have an open wound from me or even just soreness... PLEASE FORGIVE ME. I am truly sorry.
I have belittled, disrespected, and embarrassed many. James was right when he wrote in the above passage that our tongues are,
"a restless evil, full of deadly poison.". The thing is, it doesn't just poison others, it poisons my life as well. It is ruthless. A habit that has gone unnoticed for a long time; just what the enemy wants.
For this reason last night I decided to practice the discipline of silence once a week. This is hard for me. I am a verbal processor and that is where I lose control of my tongue. Today was the day, and this morning I woke up and totally forgot. I think Kevin forgot too because he was talking with me, haha. Some might think that this blog is a way to be verbal. Yes, I think so too, but I felt the Holy Spirit pushing me to write this whether it is just for me to look back on or for someone else who needs encouragement with the same struggle.
In conclusion, please pray for me. I need your love and encouragement through this battle of the flesh I have taken on.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4
