Marie A. - July 19, 2011
Scripture:
James 3:1-12 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. 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.
Observation:
Our tongues can be used for good or evil. And if we are doing God's work, we need to be careful in not only our actions, but also what comes out of our mouths.We can build people up or tear them down with our words. And if teaching is one of your gifts to better the kindom, you will be more accountable.
Application:
If I continue to work on my faith and continue to spend time with God, then I know that what will come out of my mouth and my actions will be more God-serving. It's like listening to music. If you are a Christian and continue to listen to non-Christian rap, you are still not putting good in. But if you listen to Christian music, you are putting good in. So when you put good in, you get good out.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray that as a Sunday school teacher, I continue to grow and learn and listen to others for help and guidance, that when I'm speaking or teaching, I'm not misleading anyone. And that all my work gives You all the glory, for I am nothing without You. Thank You, Lord, for Your love, and for healing me and helping me when all I can do is look up. Amen.
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