Today’s Faith Workout on faith bigger than your fears was written by Kelly Barcol, our Chaplain Role Champion, Owner of CrossFit Winnersville, and Pastor at Winnersville Community Center.
Better Watch Your Mouth
My Dad would say, You better watch your mouth son . . .
Most of us in this room have had friendships shattered over a couple of words that came out of our mouth. Once you say something stupid, it’s too late. You can say, I take that back. But let’s be honest, we really never get those hurtful words back. Saying, “I didn’t mean it like that” just doesn’t matter either does it? You can apologize and say your sorry, and the person even forgive you, but that hurt still happened and you cant take it back.
Our words shape our relationships. . . Our words shape our self esteem. . . They shape other people’s self esteem. . . Words are so powerful! Words like, “Will you be my girlfriend?”, “Will you be my boyfriend?” These words are life altering. The word “NO” can be devastating…
We all make many mistakes. If people never said anything wrong, they would be perfect and able to control their entire selves, too. James 3:2
Basically if you can control your tongue, you have arrived! I mean it sounds like he is saying if you can control your tongue, you’re Jesus. This may sound hopeless, but in life we know we’re not going to be perfect, however, don’t we desire to be more like Jesus everyday. More today than yesterday. We may never be sinless when it comes to our mouth, but we sure can sin less!
I remember riding in the back of the old station wagon when I was about 9 years old. My Granny was driving and I was driving her nuts! I don’t know how she did it, but she reached back and back handed me. Without even looking, it was a direct hit and she said, and I quote, “That big mouth of yours is going to get you in trouble.” And it sure did, for many years to come.
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can control their whole bodies. Also a ship is very big, and it is pushed by strong winds. But a very small rudder controls that big ship, making it go wherever the pilot wants. James 3:3-4
One thing you learn real quick on the wrestling mat is – “Where the head goes the body will follow!” The same is true for the tongue… Not only physically, but spiritually, mentally and emotionally too…
Your tongue literally controls the course of your life. Your tongue has the most amazing potential. Your words in an interview might land you your first big job… Our Role Champion Chaplain said his words got him his wife. 28 years ago when they were dating he wrote his wife Polly a poem. The words meant so much to her she still has it. Here’s what It said, “Strawberry Pop Tarts are red, Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes boxes are blue. These are two of my favorite sweets, but my favorite sweet is you! “ Your words will control your destiny!
It is the same with the tongue. It is a small part of the body, but it brags about great things. A big forest fire can be started with only a little flame. James 3:5
Not only does your tongue, your words, your mouth have the potential to control your life, it is so powerful, your words also have the potential to change other people. . . Verse 5 James is saying think about the power of one little match . . . could burn down this entire building . . .
And the tongue is like a fire. It is a whole world of evil among the parts of our bodies. The tongue spreads its evil through the whole body. The tongue is set on fire by hell, and it starts a fire that influences all of life. James 3:6
Your tongue, your words, are a world of evil. Think about it. Riots have been started by words. Wars have been initiated by words, murders have happened because of someone’s words. You could destroy my entire reputation with your words. It wouldn’t even have to be words that are true. Just lies, dishonest words could destroy an innocent person life. Words have an unbelievable potential for evil.
We can burn down great relationships with our words. . . Some of you know this all to well. . .
We’ve all been burned haven’t we? . . . We burn up relationship by saying, Well, I was mad when I said it. I was just upset. It came out wrong. James says watch your word because they are FIRE!
People can tame every kind of wild animal, bird, reptile, and fish, and they have tamed them, but no one can tame the tongue. It is wild and evil and full of deadly poison. James 3:7-8
Taking animals (we’ve seen them all be tamed) . . . Have you been to a circus . . . I don’t think James is taking away all hope. I believe he is saying you and I can not do this in our own power. We need the super natural power of the Holy Spirit. The only way to tame our tongue is by the grace of God and total depend on God. . . .
Will You Bless or Curse?
We use our tongues to praise our Lord and Father, but then we curse people, whom God made like himself. Praises and curses come from the same mouth! My brothers and sisters, this should not happen. James 3:9-10
With the same tongue, we are prone to both bless and curse. We sit in worship on Sunday mornings praising God, but then we get on Instagram and make fun of other people. Or we get home from church and start terrorizing our siblings. Before we even get home from church we start gossiping about someone. However, it shouldn’t t be this way. The message from our tongue reveals the nature of our heart. If we have been saved, our message should reveal the new nature given to us through Christ. . .
We have all been burned, right? That is easy to admit. The reality is we have all burned just as any people with our words as have burned us with theirs. This potential to burn will always be there. . .
There are people who are not at a FAITH RXD event this weekend because some of you are here. They are not here because you hurt them with your words. Something you said about them to someone else or something you said to them. They’re not here getting an opportunity to surrender their lives to Jesus because of our words. You see our words are very powerful!
Here are some powerful words, I AM SORRY! . . .
What you say can mean life or death. Those who speak with care will be rewarded. Prov. 18:21
Who do you need to say I AM SORRY too? . . .
