I have to say that I was really convicted by the first part of this chapter. Taming the tongue is something I struggle with. Not that I'm busy cussing up a storm, but I often use speech that is not encouraging to others or exalting to God. The two images that James provides here are excellent visual images that definitely demonstrate the importance of the tongue. In particular, the example of a forest fire being started by a small fire is something I can relate to. Not that I'm busy setting forest fires or anything. Instead, I see how this example is a good representation of reality from my time with my high school students. So many fights or quarrels are started by a lot of "he said, she said" stuff and gossip. Such talk is not conducive to a good educational environment let alone a Godly environment.
One of the reasons this is so convicting to me is James reminds us in verses 11 and 12 that our mouth and our speech should be God-glorifying. This mouth that we cuss with and talk negatively with is the same mouth we pray to God in supplication with or worship Him with. To do so without taming our tongue is to offer Him a sullied sacrifice. The things we offer to God should be our purest first fruits, nothing less.
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