James 3:1-5

Passage

Many do not become teachers, my brothers and sisters, after having known that we will receive judgment to a greater degree.  For we all stumble in many ways.  If someone does not stumble in words, this complete man is powerful to hold in check even the whole body.  And if we put bits into the mouths of horses in order that they obey us, we also guide their whole bodies.  Look also at ships.  While being great and while being moved by the force of strong winds, it is being guided by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the one who steers desires.  Thus also the tongue is a small member yet it boasts greatly.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Before getting to the tongue, James gives us a very deep thought about teachers in the church.  Many do not become teachers because they know of the greater judgment that will come.  After all, the one who teaches is responsible not just for their own understanding but also for ensuring that all others who are put under their authority are in a place where they can learn.  Many people fail because they teach before they are ready.  Others fail because they set too low of a bar for their students.  Others fail because they set a high bar and are not there to encourage their pupils.  There are many ways that a teacher can fail at their task.  Teaching and leading others in the faith is a daunting task that should not be taken lightly.  In fact, in the New Testament teachers are often held with prophets and apostles as the core of what Christ is doing.

Have you ever been afraid to teach?  Why?  Have you ever been called to teach?  What must a person do before they can teach?  How do you think reacts to a person who has been called to teach yet does not?

Second Thought:

James now turns us to the topic of the tongue.  The tongue is one of the greatest tools of the teacher – and the prophet and evangelist for that record.  Yet the tongue is also one of the greatest places where people fail.  James says bluntly that if a person is powerful enough to hold their tongue in check then they can also hold their body in check.  We should note that James is not asserting that such a perfect man exists.  Rather, James is making a case for understanding the importance of the tongue.  So many people worry about the sin they do; James is equally worried about the sin he speaks.

When has your tongue betrayed you and led you into sin?  What is the easiest way for you to keep your tongue from sinning?  How can we relate this passage to listening before we speak?

Third Thought:

The tongue is small, but it is perhaps the greatest weapon we have against other people.  It is also the greatest tool we have in working with people.  Many a kind word has united former foes; many an ill word has driven apart former allies.  The tongue is so small; yet like the mouths of horses and the rudders on a ship it is our mouth that often sets our course.  How many times have I seen someone do something stupid as a result of something equally stupid that they said beforehand!  So often we underestimate the power that our tongues contain.  So often we would be better holding back that power and only using it when sure of the call to use it.

Why do you think we underestimate the power of our words?  From this perspective, do you agree with the assertion that “talk is cheap?”  In what way is talk very costly?

Passage for Tomorrow: James 3:5-8