James 3:1-12 — James
The Hardest Thing to Control
Controlling the tongue is a constant battle that no one perfectly masters. James warns that though small, the tongue wields enormous power to build up or tear down, and believers must think carefully before speaking, consider others' dignity, and remember that all people bear God's image.
Introduction
In the field of psychology, one learns about Sigmund Freud. Freud was a pioneer in developing ideas about how the mind works. Freud believed that there was an unconscious mind that often motivated people and because it was unconscious folks didn’t always understand why they did what they did. For Freud the only way to change beliefs and behaviors was for the unconscious mind to come into the world of consciousness. He believed that childhood experiences and especially one’s relationship with mother determined personality and direction for life. One of the things that Freud said was a sign of the unconscious mind were the slips of the tongue. One said something but meant something else. We call these Freudian slips. An example would be “When you say one thing and mean your mother.” Or when one of the journalists announcing the death of Osama bin Laden actually said Obama bin Laden. These slips of the tongue can be at times embarrassing.
We have all had times that we accidentally said something wrong. But in our text, James writes that there are times that intentionally say the wrong thing. Anytime a person speaks about controlling out speech, usually we are quick to think of others. We can think of that person who needs to control their tongue a bit better. We think of that person who seems to have lost the filter of control. We do not think of self first. So let’s do this. Allow today’s message to be for you even as it was for me as I put it together. Think about how James’ message is for you.
Reality of the Tongue
3:1 lays the foundation for all of chapter 3. James is primarily addressing teachers in terms of learning the importance of words but also in terms of seeking wisdom. However, while James is addressing teachers his writing includes more than teachers. We see in this in subsequent verses when he includes more than teachers in his writing. But what I have to recognize as a teacher is that there is greater responsibility and with that greater responsibility a greater judgment about the use of words. But such added responsibility does not release the rest of us from learning to control the tongue.
In verse 2, James is quick to point out that all of us stumble in many ways. Notice the “we.” James is including himself. James quickly argues that no one can claim perfection because all of us stumble. None of us are perfect especially when it comes to controlling the tongue. The “if” clause in verse 2 is not to intended to suppose that one can control the tongue completely. In verse 8, James will summarize by reminding all of us that no man can tame the tongue. His point in verse 2 with the “if” clause is to focus on the difficulty of controlling the tongue and that all fail at one point or another.
Think of it this way, in the history of professional basketball there have been some players who are very good at shooting free throws. The number one free throw shooter in the history of professional basketball is Steve Nash. In 18 years of playing professional basketball he successfully completed 90.43% of his free throws. It is excellent but it isn’t perfect. James is suggesting that perfection of the tongue can only happen when no mistakes, slips, or errors are ever uttered. If a person can do that then that person can control everything about the body. Thus, verse 8 becomes the reality — no one can tame the tongue.
To illustrate the tongue’s power, James gives three example of a small bit controlling a powerful horse, a small rudder controlling the direction of a large ship and a small spark setting on fire a great forest. The tongue may be small but it is powerful. In verse 5, he writes that the tongue makes great boasts. Be wary of anyone who starts telling you what they have done in life. When a person begins to boast of the business prowess or their achievements or their spiritual maturity, they are not controlling their tongue. In verse 6, James says the tongue is full of evil.
In verses 9-12, James has one final description about the tongue. He notes that people praise God with the tongue but they also curse human beings made in the image of God. As he writes in verse 10, this should not be. James reveals that we need to be serious about controlling our tongues especially when we are using it to speak against another person.
Application
With all the warning about the tongue surely all of us need to be more aware of what comes out of our mouths. In chapter one James has written that we are to be slow to speak. This section gives greater definition to what that looks like and warns us of how difficult it is to control the tongue. As long as we are in this life, we will say something that reveals that we have not learned to control our tongue. What we say may be unintentional in its hurt but the outcome is hurt nonetheless. At its core, James says in verse 6 that the hurt that comes from our words is from Satan.
Our words affect others. Our words affect the self. Our words affect the body of Christ. Our words can encourage and they can destroy. Our words can support and they can tear down. Words matter. So how do we control our words? Some would suggest that we not speak at all, but this is not what James has in mind. Let me give you some things to think about in terms of controlling your words:
First, think. Snappy comebacks may seem to enliven a conversation but think before you speak. This is difficult because in our world instant response is often expected. Too many times we speak before we think.
Second, think about the other person. This requires maturity. Our words mean much to us. Words are personal. The result is that when tend to spend less time listening to the other person and more time focused on being heard. Think about what your words will mean to the other person. Think how those words will affect the person.
Third, remember that every person is made in God’s image. It is easy for us to use words to hurt when we dehumanize another individual. When we forget that we are staring into the eyes that God has created we give ourselves permission to say things that not only hurt but diminishes God’s image.
Invitation.
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