Day #40

Begin this time in prayer.  Slow down and listen.  Praise God for His mercy in your life.  We are so blessed with what we have here in America.  I am praying that God will help you and I both to become increasingly aware of this fact.  Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and to teach you as you read today’s study.  After all, that is what the Spirit is there for:)

Read James 3:3-4.

What are the two examples that James gives of small things that control large objects?

1.

2.

Likewise, the TONGUE is one of the smallest organs in the body and it has similar control over everything a person is and does (v.5a).

Now, read James 3:5b-8.

Did you know that one of the major causes of the misuse of the tongue is PRIDE?  You may ask, “What is pride exactly?”

PRIDE= the quality of having an excessively high opinion of oneself or one's importance.

Pride can show itself in two major ways… through boasting (bragging) and bitter jealousy. 

Ever been around someone who is intent on letting everyone know how great they are or what awesome things they can do?  Better yet, have you ever had an ambitious desire to promote yourself?  Not sure, ask God about it!  Let Him bring you a vivid picture of your boastful self.  Not pretty.

Ever been jealous?  If you say no, I again challenge you to ask God to reveal some hard truths to you.

So many times, we say little things here and there and they seemingly have little or no consequence.  But, scripture is clear!  These little careless uses of the tongue (out of boastfulness and jealousy) are little sparks of fire with deadly potential… it can set a forest ABLAZE.  Our tongue can turn every aspect of our lives, and other’s lives, completely upside down, causing total DESTRUCTION.

“… a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”  (v. 8b)

And what is worse, without HOLY GOD in our lives, this little organ is uncontrollable.

“… but no human can tame the tongue.”  (v. 8a)

The GOOD news is that as believers, we have a teacher in our hearts (the Holy Spirit) that will teach us the skill of controlling our tongues.  Through much trial and error we can learn.

TARGET of the DAY

Read James 1:19 and write it on your hand today.  Put it into action!