James 3.2-12
For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.
Foot and mouth disease, stress exhaust, ready fire aim! All of us have either had, or known someone with these biblical afflictions. (insert nervous laugh here). Who knew James would have something to say about it way back in the 60's... late 60 - 70 AD!
We've all been entertained or offended by the trite sayings written on billboards or church marquees, but in my neighborhood there is a marquee in the most unexpected place that almost always makes me think. It is above the front door of the automotive center that has become my home away from home over the years. The place where I have received more than one lecture about regular oil changes and checking tire pressure with the change of seasons. The guys who work there look out for my safety, and I have come to consider them part of my extended family. Today the marquee reads "You don't have to explain what you don't say." Can I get an Amen on that?! The one before that said, "the tongue doesn't weigh much but very few can hold it." Are they trying to tell us something?
James 3:5-6 "How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! and the tongue is a fire..."
Fire, yes. Am I the only one who has ever reflected upon a fast exchange of words and felt a burning sense of regret? That lingering post-edit from our internal arm-chair quarter back, that tries and tries again to create a better outcome to retract guilt, shame or hurt... create a better past?
In my morning devotionals, I've been reading Mark, and last Tuesday's was Mark 7. In verses 14 and 15 Jesus says, "Listen to me, all of you and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile." Now Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees who were more concerned about cleanliness codes than about the will and commandments of God. In my mind's eye, I can picture the law abiding, over worked, stressed out, control-freak Pharisees who just have the best interest of the temple at heart. After all, who will uphold the rules and standards if they don't... among the still black and white images, I think I see someone who looks a little like me... Naaah, surely not...
Matthew 18: 21 - 22 Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should forgive? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times."
God grant me an open heart, a heart free from of the burning fires of guilt, imperfection, hurt and fear. A heart that is open to receive and give forgiveness and love; and may your praise be continually in my mouth. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
Dana Effler, Director of Music and Arts
