(reworked from 2010)
Scripture: James (NIV) 1:26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
Observation: Perhaps James was tired of people claiming to be religious and claiming to love God, yet their words showed something different. If our faith does not affect the way we talk, then, according to the Bible, it is worthless.
Of the Ten Commandments, the second deals with speaking the name of God in an insignificant, valueless manner. The ninth deals with speaking what is not true. Throughout the Bible we see references to our words: not only gossiping, complaining, etc., but also praying, encouraging, etc.
The first action of God recorded in the Bible was speaking. “And God said…” Jesus is introduced in the first chapter of John as “the Word became flesh…” It should not surprise us that God sees our words as important.
Application: God’s Words are important to me; my words are important to God. What I say to Him and what I say about Him, what I say to others and what I say about others—it is ALL important to God.
Prayer: Lord, as in Psalm 141:3, put a guard over my lips. May my words today make you smile and bless those nearby. Amen.
Pastor Leon
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