Tongue of Fire

James 3:6-8 ⁽⁶⁾The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. ⁽⁷⁾All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, ⁽⁸⁾but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (NIV)

            Millions of people watch daytime talk shows. Many of these shows are full of the latest gossip about actors, musicians, sports players, and even televangelists with regards to their personal lives. In many cases, it doesn’t matter if the statements are true or not, but if they make mainstream media…people will quickly assume that they are true. Politicians are not exempt neither, but some have fallen victim to scandal due to rumors found and unfounded. One of the former United States presidents became famous for the saying, “Read my lips.” Needless to say, the American people read his lips and as a result, he did not win a second term. 

            The Apostle James lets us know how dangerous the tongue can be. As with a fire, it can cause great harm by just a small spark. No one came tame it by himself. It is only through God that the tongue can be disciplined to speak life and not death. It is only though the anointing of the Holy Spirit that the tongue can bring about Salvation and not destruction. This is why the apostles had to meet in once place in order to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit as it was described as being like tongues of fire. Acts 2:3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. (NIV) Why did it look like tongues? 

The representation to tongues of fire meant that they would use their mouths to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Their mouths had to be pure and sanctified before God in order to speak His truth. There could not be anything defiled in them that would prevent the Holy Spirit from completing His mission in them. There had to be a purification process by which the apostles had to go through. Their mouths would be used to carry the message to souls all throughout the world and for that purpose, their tongues could not be a tool used for evil, but was to be a weapon for the edification of God. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. (NIV)

            God still wants men to serve Him and to use their mouths for His glory. The apostles willingly chose to be used by God.  He is still calling for men to be willing vessels for Him today. The choice is up to you. Will you allow your tongue to be purified for His glory?

 

The Book of James: 30 Days of Devotion for Men by K L Rich

Available on Amazon.com.