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“For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:7-8 (ESV)

Interesting how words fly out of our mouth with ease, but when a microphone is placed in front of us we freeze.  Yes, the very thought of everyone hearing what we have to say causes us to pause and think.
We want our sentences to flow effortlessly and to make sense, the impressing of an audience with our perfect words. 

Wonder what would happen if we exercised caution  with our every day voice?  You know like we didn’t just blurt out the first thing that came to mind.  I’m guilty as charged – too many times I’ve let those words fly without a moment’s reservation.  Now to be honest, nothing I said was untrue but definitely convinced it wasn’t always spoken in the best way.   Unfortunately, our careless chatter can effortlessly transition over to our one sided opinion ignoring the quiet settling in around us.

So how do we reign in our words?  The book of James reminds us no one can tame their tongue; we desperately need God’s restrain and retraining to silence what doesn’t need to be said. Don’t know about you but in most cases the tongue is the instrument of the mind – what we think on, dwell on and contemplate finds itself echoing from our lips.

Philippians 4:7 – 9 unfolds how to reign in our thoughts which ultimately teaches us how to honor others and God with our speech:

Is what we are saying true and honorable for the hearer?

Are the words we convey just and pure?

Did we speak with love on our mind or contempt?

Is our speech cultivating respect?

Do we seek to convey excellence?

Do the words we use extinguish our praise?

Wow, let’s keep it real here ladies – we’ve got a lot of work to do and we can’t do it alone.  Only when we allow the Spirit to control our words do we truly honor God with our lips.  Our helper, the Holy Spirit, will lead and guide us if we simply pause and think before a word ushers out of our lips.

Stepping on my own toes.   Feeling it as I type these words.  Realty checks usually leave us down on our knees – absolutely good thing.  Desperation for God’s help removes the pride of self sufficiency and opens wide the opportunity for transformation.  And let’s admit, we all can use His help to bridle our runaway words.

“Father, help our thoughts and speech to reflect You

For His Glory

 

Janet Martin

TRBC Women’s Life