Tame The Tongue

"For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison." James 3:7-8

I admit that I have picked up a bit of slang and my grammar is not always the best; but, I tell you there are days that I simply do not understand the English that is being used by many today. What sometimes sounds like insults; derogatory remarks toward or about others, I am told actually isn't! That's just the way people talk today. 

I also understand that in this country, according to the first amendment, that we have freedom of speech. But, is that an excuse to falsely slander others? Is that an excuse to get on the internet or television and insinuate or make threats against the safety and well-being of others? It seems as though there are many who seem to think it is. Freedom of speech doesn't actually include threatening the life of others. It is actually illegal and depending on the severity, one can be charged with a crime for doing so.

It can be most difficult to control the tongue when one is angry or hurt; but, in general conversation; when you actually have time to think about it!? Oh, my! There are many days that I just want to run back to my little corner of the universe and sit in silence watching the alligators in the backyard. They usually just lie there and maybe swim around a bit. They do not live in attack mode just for the sake of attacking and harming others.

It is hard to tame the tongue. It is even harder when one has not actually learned the difference between what is appropriate to say and what is not appropriate; what is legal and what is not legal. Yes, I can be bit legalistic. The law can be a great curb to keep us from doing things that would harm others. Think: treat others as you would like to be treated.

Some days the untamed tongues are running so rampant that I can only retreat to my corner and sit in the sheer silence and listen. I listen for our Father's gentle whisper, "Do not fear. I am with you now and always."

God's Peace - Pr. J

Freedom Of Religion; To Proclaim the Gospel Peaceably

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."  (First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution)

Can you believe it? I am not starting the blog on this Independence Day with scripture. Instead, I want us to think a little bit about the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution today.

Anyone who has heard more than a couple of my sermons has already figured out that I am a proponent of the separation of church and state. Of course, I would like for all people to be followers of Jesus. But, I do not believe that the government should meddle in anyone's religious faith so long as that faith does not bring harm to other's outside of one's faith. When people are harmed; then, it is indeed the government's (law enforcement's) job to step in and stop the abuse. But; history has shown us over and over again that when the state gets involved in the establishment of religion, the church will eventually relinquish its authority over to the state zealots; to kings, to princes, to dictators. Christ will no longer have the last word in the visible church; the state will. Therefore; as Christians, we need to be alert so that we are not freely turning our freedom to worship over to the control of the state. There is a time for peaceful demonstration. We do also have freedom of speech which; unless used will eventually disappear simply by general consensus.

We, in this country, under the constitution, have a right to exercise our faith; no matter who we are. Of course, I am a Christian and I would have that all people come to Jesus. However, as a citizen (and as a Christian) I cannot persecute those of different faiths whether they be Muslin, Jews, Wiccan, or even Satanists. Yes, these and many more groups consider themselves to be religious orders whether I or anyone else likes it or not. The constitution guarantees all religious groups the free exercise of their religions. However, if any religious groups or members thereof actively seek to harm others than the state must step in, not because of anyone's specific religious beliefs; but, because they break the rule of law. The constitution does not give Christians or anyone else the right to trample on the rights of others, whether we agree with them or not.

The first amendment guarantees the rights of all persons to freely exercise their religion. Included in this first amendment is the right of free speech. Christians need to understand that we do have the right to put a voice to our faith. Congress cannot establish any laws that would restrict proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom. Let us not take this freedom lightly and use that freedom to God's glory. So, the question I would like you to consider today is this: 

How many of these freedoms: the freedom to exercise our faith; the freedom to proclaim our faith; the freedom to assemble peaceably have diminished over the years in this country simply because we, as Christians, have not taken advantage of these freedoms? We cannot blame the state for us losing ground when we haven't been willing to stand up, step out, and freely proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God through Jesus the Christ.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Gal 5:1 NIV)

May your celebration of this Independence Day be a safe one; keep your hearts and minds focused on the one who lived and died and lives for you, Jesus Christ our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J