Theme: Scrabble
Weekend Music links on iTunes: My Savior Lives - Desperation Band, All to You - Lincoln Brewster, Attention - Know Hope Collective, How He Loves - John Mark McMillan
Read: James 3:5-12
Think: As we continue to think about the impact of our words, here’s something to consider: My words not only have an effect on others; they also have an effect on me. What I mean is when I speak evil (anything that is contrary to the pure, holy, uplifting words God desires for us to speak), I not only show the sin in my own heart (Luke 6:45), but I reinforce evil and give it a place to grow.
Jesus said it’s not what goes into my mouth that defiles me, but what comes out. In today’s reading, James puts it another way: “The tongue . . . defiles the whole body” (James 3:6). My untamed tongue doesn’t stop at hurting others, it corrupts me too.
But there’s good news. When I choose not to speak words that are impure, unkind, ungodly, etc. I begin to choke and strangle the sinfulness in my heart. That’s why we’re encouraged to guard our heart in Proverbs 13:3. When we do that, it’s like we starve the evil deep down inside. So to put an end to the sinful words that so quickly cross our lips and spill out our mouths we have to control our tongue.
Do: If you’re anything like me you might be saying, “Easier said than done… I’ve tried but I just can’t stop.” James agreed: “No man can tame the tongue” (James 3:8). But Jesus can! Ask Him to “keep watch” over your mouth and give the control to Him.
Pray: Lord, I want to say the right things and speak words that honor and bless… but I fail more than I succeed. I know my words have power both over others and in my own heart and I want to be right in Your eyes. I ask for your help and give You control over what I say. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.