Hold your tongue

"The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."
                       James 3:6

We have all heard the expressions hold your tongue or bite your tongue. This is usually when we have said something that is offensive or nasty. Our tongues can get us into so much trouble, mainly I believe because there does not seem to be a direct connection to our brains at times. We say things that we immediately would want to take back. But words can be so hurtful that they damage beyond repair.

It is funny. I like to think that I demonstrate my faith through my actions. I've always been more comfortable doing that. I have had several dozen instances where my tongue has gotten me into trouble. With my parents, with my spouse, even with my children. I thank God everyday in my prayers that He sent His Son to take the burden of my sin away. But that does not mean that I do not also pray for Him to help me in my daily life to not use my tongue for hurtful messages. That just defeats any good actions I may do as a result of my faith.

We must remember that our words are part of our actions. Our words are what others use to see if we are Christians. If I help an elderly person across the street, but then turn around and use my tongue to speak wrong at a driver that blows their horn at us, my actions cannot possibly be speaking louder than my words at that point in time.

God Bless your Thursday.