Friday, September 23, 2016

Tongues More Dangerous Than Alligators?

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:7-8 NIV

All kinds of evil comes from uncontrolled tongues. We all speak way too hastily, at times; out of anger, out of lust, out of greed; and damage, even death, to self and others is the result. But, when we have time to think about it, it would be wise to not open our lips if we are going to spew forth venom. It benefits everyone when we do not open our lips to speak lies. We are given the command not to bear false witness against our neighbor, so then why is it done so often and so intentionally?

Why? Why do politicians and other leaders, who most often claim to be Christian, insist on speaking falsely about others and about themselves? Can they not control their tongues so that riots do not ensue? Peaceful protests are a way of speaking what is on our hearts and minds. They can be used to reveal the truth that is being hid by those who would twist the truth with their tongues. But, there is a difference between a peaceful protest and a riot. Riots kill. They destroy the property and even life. They inhibit the rights of individuals. Genuinely peaceful protests do not destroy. They are means of speaking the truth in love and in unity. Apparently, not everyone understands the difference.

When my granddaughter came home from work last night, she had to stop to wait for an alligator to cross the road. He was moving pretty slow. She's young and it's a little difficult for her to wait for anything. But, with the alligator there is no choice. He gets his way.

For, at least a few minutes every day, I sit in the backyard and watch the alligators who lives there swim about. I feel much more at peace with the alligators as it is way less dangerous watching them play than to listen to a politician or leader of any profession who will lie and falsely speak ill of others for their own benefit to the detriment of the whole world around them.

May God help us to tame our tongues so that we might live in a little more peace and unity.

God's Peace - Pr. J

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