A few years ago, I was wrapping up a workout at the gym, drenched in sweat and parched. You know that kind of thirst where you feel like you could drink an entire lake? I wandered over to the cooler, casually chatting with someone, my mind elsewhere. I grabbed my container, popped it under the spigot, and filled it up without a second thought.

Still mid-conversation, I raised the cup to my lips, eager for a refreshing gulp of cold water. But instead of quenching my thirst, I jerked back in shock as my lip sizzled in pain. I’d filled my cup with steaming hot water.

Instantly, my careless mistake turned what I thought would refresh me into something that burned me. It was a surprising and not-so-gentle reminder to pay attention to the water I was putting in my cup. In the same way, careless words that come out of our mouths can soothe or burn. That is what James is concerned about today.

Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is James 3:9-12.

With [the tongue] we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. — James 3:9-12

James uses some very vivid illustrations in these short verses:

1. He illustrates that the human tongue can bless God and curse God's people.
2. He illustrates that the human mouth is an orifice of blessing and cursing simultaneously.
3. He illustrates that natural elements act consistently, such as a freshwater spring or a sea of saltwater.
4. He illustrates that plant life is also consistent in its produce.

Unlike the natural order, James points out that humanity, specifically believers, are the only creatures in all God's creation that can act inconsistently. The propensity is almost schizophrenic.

But here is James's bottom line: The tips of our tongues and the orifices of our mouths reveal our inconsistencies and the nature of our hearts. They expose us. We have all said stupid things. But James is not just concerned about the stupid things you and I say. He is concerned about the inconsistency of our hearts, which think and believe inconsistent thoughts and ideas, thus communicating inconsistent messages that burn us and others.

James is leading us all toward deep consistency.

Consistency starts in the heart. When Christ rules your heart, your words should follow. So, if you have been compartmentalizing your faith in Jesus, it's time to stop. Let Christ and his Spirit live in all the rooms, hallways, and corners of your heart. Open up to God where you have held onto pain, anger, regret, bitterness, and guilt with others. Start looking at all people through the lens of God, fallen but created by him for a relationship with Jesus. Then speak life, bless others, align your words with God's heart, and maybe you'll stop getting into hot water.

#TamingTheTongue, #SpeakLife, #FaithInAction

ASK THIS:

1. How have my words both blessed and hurt others recently?
2. In which areas am I inconsistent between my heart and speech?
3. What steps can I take to let Christ rule my entire heart?
4. How can I align my words today to reflect God's love?

DO THIS:

Speak a blessing to someone you’ve struggled with this week, reflecting God’s love through your words.

PRAY THIS:

Lord, transform my heart so that my words reflect Your love and truth. Help me speak life and bring blessings to others. Amen

PLAY THIS:

I Speak Jesus.