Bible Reading: Ezekiel 24-26: James 3
“For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is full of deadly poison” James 3:7-8 (KJV)
There are several institutions that have broken down as a result of mismanagement of the tongue. Several homes have collapsed because of wrong usage of tongue by either spouse. Nations have been set on the path of violence because of lack of mastery over the tongue. According to the Scripture, the tongue is full of deadly poison. Each of us should ask this question, what is the poison that I have in my tongue? How can I get rid of the poison? How many people have I destroyed with the poison? Once you are able to ascertain all these, it helps you to apply the available provision within the ambit of the Word of God.
The word of God is replete with references on how to use the tongue. It is clearly stated that, “For whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech” 1 Peter 3:10 (NIV). There is no confusion in that instruction. You have responsibility for your tongue if you love life and are interested in seeing good days. No matter the pressure, you should keep your mouth and your tongue. Only in doing this would you keep your soul from trouble. Hear the Word of God, “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles” Proverbs 21:23 (KJV). Further warning from the Lord: “It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a person” Matthew 15 :11 (ESV).
You may be saying that, I have been trying to handle this but I have not succeeded in it. I want to encourage you not to relent in this effort. Please note that there is nothing that is difficult for Christ to do. You can look at the way Christ used His own tongue during His earthly ministry here on earth and adopt the same as you grow with Him on daily basis. You will agree with me that His encounter with the Pharisees exposes Him to use this member of the body yet He never for once misused it. If you cannot match your tongue usage with that of Jesus Christ, you need to ask for more grace. You are reminded of what David said, “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.“ Psalm:141:3(KJV)
Your tongue, my tongue are not meant to be used as a poison. We should make up our minds by taming our tongue just as we tame the beasts in our different homes. Evil shall be grossly reduced when you do this. If it is difficult for you, it is not difficult for God to do. Your tongue and mine should be renewed for the sanity of the society where we live. Let your tongue bring healing to wounds and not otherwise. Let your tongue build others up and not tear them down. Never be careless in the way you use your tongue anytime, any day. Please, do not allow Satan to hijack your tongue to fulfil his purpose. May God help you to do so in Jesus.
Prayer: God, redeem my tongue for the use of Your glory in Jesus Christ name.
Pastor Joel Ezeugo