Bible Reading: Job 30; James 3:1-9.
“For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” – James 3:2 (KJV)
It is often argued that it is not possible to be perfect. But if you believe that, it means you call God a liar because the bible says in Genesis 17:1 (KJV): “And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” Also in Matthew 5:48, God directed us to be perfect! Since God cannot lie (Titus 1:2), it means it’s possible to be perfect on earth. Towards this, God tells us how to be perfect. James 3:2 (KJV) points out: “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” So what you need to do is to control your tongue. And controlling your tongue essentially means submitting it to Christ. Since the tongue speaks out of the heart, then the heart needs to be purified for the tongue to be righteous.
The purification of the heart will come from continuous renewal of the mind with the word of God. Romans 12:2 (KJV): “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” So the key to a pure heart is to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour as that will guarantee that the past sins will be wiped away. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV): “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
After that there is need to go back to the purpose for which man was created. The bible reminds us of this in Ecclesiastes 12:13 (KJV) “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
Now to fulfill that purpose, one needs to study the word of God as you cannot obey what you do not know. Thereafter, ensure continuous communication with God so that you can know him more and conform to his image. As you conform more to his image, your whole being will reveal him and every part of your body including the tongue will glorify him and you will thus become perfect in the process!
Prayer point:
Father, reveal more of yourself to me so that I can be more like you in Jesus name.