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

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