The evil tongue

 

"I am still a work in progress. I, like most of us, am not immune to an evil tongue. Even though I am getting better at controlling my tongue, sometimes I slip up and it controls me."  

Most Bible believing Christians are familiar with the Book of James, Chapter 3, verse 8.

 "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."

In fact, a good part of Chapter 3 in James is devoted to explaining how destructive the tongue can be. Some might say, "That was so yesterday - not the same today." Really? Have you noticed some of the vile things which have been said or written about Charlie Kirk? Things his family and friends could read, or see?

I remember a teacher I had telling the class I was in that words matter. Hurtful word(s), once leaving your mouth cannot be recalled. There is no delete key in your mouth. A word (or words) can cut a person down. Word(s) can destroy a relationship - forever. When I was younger, I said some things which were regrettable. Words I would love to take back. But I can't. It is too late. One of the people I said some horrible things to has passed on. 

The Bible also tells us in Ephesians, Chapter 4, verse 29 it is good and right to edify others. Say kind words. Words of comfort. Build people up. Whereas most of us could rip a person to shreds in about a minute using the power of an evil tongue, building a person up could be a blessing which could last a long time. 

I remember being asked years ago in a small group I was in, what are some ways to evangelize which are not too "risky". Great question. The answer is there are many. Some subtle and some not as subtle. One real good way to start is the least intrusive - letting an unkind word go unsaid. Taming your tongue before it speaks evil. 

That is one of those building blocks to let others know that we are not the same as we once were. If we can't show the world we are different, if we are still the same as we were, any message, said or unsaid, falls flat.

I know, I know. I have said some things in my blog posts which have not been kind. I try to temper my words and still get my point across, but many times I fall short. I am still a work in progress. I, like most of us, am not immune to an evil tongue. Even though I am getting better at controlling my tongue, sometimes I slip, and it controls me.