“Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire….” James 3:5-6
The entire town was evacuated. Over eighty thousand people fled the ravaging forest fire. Evacuated friends came to stay with us for nearly seven weeks. Anxiously they watched the news not knowing if their homes would survive. Such incredible devastation created from a small spark!
It reminded me of this verse from the Bible as I recalled some of the devastating “fires” I had been witness to, that were started by a careless tongue. Words spoken thoughtlessly, selfishly, angrily, hastily are often the spark that ignites a blaze that can destroy what may take years to rebuild.
Think about what has come out of your mouth this past week. Did you carelessly throw a spark out on dry grass and were surprised at the quick spread of flames? Did relationships strain because you had an uncontrolled tongue? It’s easy to do. We justify it by tiredness, stressful situations, or another persons aggravating behavior. Yet the choice of our words is entirely our own.
God has a lot to say about the tongue and the words we speak. You’ll find a wealth of wisdom in the book of Proverbs in the Bible.
• Ask for God to set a guard at your mouth.
• Ask for His help before careless words come out of your mouth.
• Be quick to ask His forgiveness and the forgiveness of others when your tongue throws out sparks.
• When tough issues must be addressed, ask first for the help of God’s Holy Spirit as you respond.
• Always keep your distance from gossip. Gossip is already a small blaze. You make a choice to throw water or fuel on it as it comes to your ears and tempts your tongue.
You will be amazed at the difference in your relationships, your home, your job, your church and your life when God’s help is the first call on your lips.
Father God,
Your word tells me, “He who guards his lips, guards his life.” Proverbs 13:3.
Please help me today, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, to be careful with quick retorts, unsolicited opinions, critical, sarcastic and negative comments. Help me to mind my tongue as I would mind a match in a dry forest. Give me Your wisdom and grace when I need to address situations and issues and give me a sense of right timing in doing so. Thank you that You provide help and strength to me in this area when I call out to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Thoughts: If your tongue is causing you trouble these days, read one chapter a day in the book of Proverbs. It will take one month to do that. Underline and ponder every verse that speaks about words, lips and tongue. Keep a journal for the month and see how the atmosphere around you changes as you become a “fire fighter” in your own circle.
By Gail Rodgers
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