Our Brother James once stated, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell” (James 3:6, NKJV). This is profoundly true, especially considering today’s easily accessible “information highway”. On the one hand, one would be amazed by the countless measures in manners of information that can be distributed and shared for the good of humanity. Yet, it seems people are exhilarated even more by the negativity and depraving insights that can be hurled at each other from invisible barriers, like the internet, using cleverly devised “technological projectiles”. Many launch their views and positions on the day-to-day parcels in life, seemingly never caring about what depth and separation they cause another.
Paul stated some of our actions should “…not even be named among the Gentiles” (1 Corinthians 5:1b). Nevertheless, they persist. Why does this happen? Some may suggest these actions as needful, but the Scriptures counter a different reasoning. In 1 Timothy 6:5, the HS leads us to understand these manifestations originate from evilness inside; “useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth”. Jesus taught it is not the outside of the vessel but an insincere heart where corruptness derives itself (Matthew 25:35-36). In other words, before it launches from the tongue, it has already become a fully developed thought from a man’s heart (mind). Therefore, is it a “slip of the tongue” or rather an intentional means to bring another duress? I am not suggesting that no one “miss speaks”. What I am stressing is that we often utilize God’s gift for gab in a fashion less favorable than for why it was created. James reminds us of the “similitude” or “likeness” of God we share in the tongue’s usage (v 9). He encourages us to a more mature manner in the practice of blessings rather than cursing.
Just a thought, when holding the ability to send “glad tidings” or to offer up “negativity”, ask yourself, which one would Jesus be most pleased with? This could be the difference between “life and death” we foster for ourselves AND others (Matthew 12:36).
God Bless,
Archie R. Green
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