Perhaps we can’t all solve world hunger or the crisis of the poor. But we can create a healthy community of God. One healthy community will stem into another. James reminds us that a healthy forest is set ablaze by a small fire (3:5). The fire of the Spirit spreads in the same way. The tongue can be a curse, where gossip and poor words damage the body of Christ, but it can also be a blessing to the kingdom of God. You can stay where you are right now, comfortable, and satisfied. But Wisdom warns that you need to take her hand. You need more Wisdom, and for that you must continue going to Scripture, learning in prayer, and nurturing your faith. Who do people say that you are? Let it be shown not in your words only, when you tell them that you are Christian, but in your actions too. Let your family see the commitment that you give to devotions, to reading Scripture, and to following the ways of the Lord. Let your friends see it too. They will take notice, for better or for worse. But God will take notice for eternity. God shall tell you that you have nothing to fear, because your words are acceptable to God when they clearly are more than words. Yes, you are graded for effort. Give it everything you have, and fear nothing. Master, let us walk with thee. Teach us the wayward feet to stay. Guide them in the homeward way through a peace that only you can give. Your majesty is great! Thanks be to God! Amen.

Proverbs 1:20-33

James 3:1-12

Mark 8:27-38