Rein in the Tongue

Rein in the Tongue

Many people in the Church struggle with words. That is not to say that they can not speak or that they have a problem forming a coherent sentence. The issue they have is very sinister and most of them probably do not even realize they have a problem.

The issue they have is the words they use. The things they say are contrary to what being a Christian is all about. They are not loving, but hurtful. They are not encouraging but damaging. Someone, with no malicious intent, will tell a small piece of gossip about someone. What they do not realize is that sort of thing grows like wildfire. One person hears it who can not wait to tell someone else, who tells three others, who tell their friends, and so on. Suddenly, a piece of gossip (usually based on rumor and conjecture) is running rampant through the community. Problem is, the rumor is not true. But the damage is done.

Others have an issue with cursing. While the Bible does not specifically spell out a single word that is sinful, cultural and societal deviations that are perceived as sin can, and do, ruin our witness. So, while dropping an F-bomb is not a biblical sin in and of itself, it leads directly to other sins.

First, it causes others to stumble in their faith. Jesus specifically warns against being the one who causes one of his little children to sin (Matt 18:5-6). The “little ones” Jesus refers to are not just literal children, but all who come with child-like faith. Since we are all God’s children, it can, by extension, mean unbelievers. Our language, like our deeds, reflects who we are as people. So, if someone believes certain language is dirty or inappropriate, that is how they will see the one who uses that language. They will not see a devoted follower of Christ, but a hypocritical sinner who puts on a show every Sunday.

Second, the Bible clearly warns that those who gossip are not following the way of Christ. Gossip is not loving, and we are commanded to love one another as Christ has loved us. The book of Proverbs 16:28 says that, “a perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.” How many relationships, families, and careers have been ruined due to gossip and hearsay? Even one is too many, and there are far too many.

Third, God expects better of us. We are to emulate Jesus in kindness, gentleness, and a humble heart. Our language, the words we use, how we use them, and the intent behind them are all apt to cause us to stumble. In the book of Mathew, Jesus says “What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him ‘unclean,’ but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him ‘unclean’” (15:11).

So, what do we do, just stop speaking all together? NO! But we need to listen to the words of James, brother of Jesus.

“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:19-20).

“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless” (James 1:26).

His religion is worthless! Did you read that? It is worthless because the man’s witness has been severely compromised if not completely obliterated. No one is going to listen to the office gossip king as he tries to tell them about Jesus. The lady who is dropping F-bombs is not going to have a good reception to a sudden God-bomb when she has a moment of righteous clarity.

Brothers and sisters, if you would be true Christians and you truly seek to advance His kingdom…shut up. Think before you speak. Ask yourself if what you are about to say is glorifying God or others, or is it damaging to God or others. Think about this; Would you say it if Jesus were sitting across from you?

Be Blessed and Be a Blessing!

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