James begins here by sharing that even wild animals can be tamed;
Yet there is something in our bodies that is extremely hard to control much less tame - our tongue;
While our tongue can bring us enjoyment through taste it can also bring sadness and pain to others;
How hard is it to control our tongue;
Yes, I know the tongue is just a muscle and the thoughts come from our brains - but if we can’t control something as simple as the tongue how will you ever control thoughts.
Double Edged
We praise God with the same tongue we curse, criticize or gossip with;
How many of you have heard the saying – “do you kiss your mama with that mouth?”;
People are typically the recipient of the cutting edge of our tongue;
How often have we heard or even said things like “Men are such a dogs” - “You’re as dirty as a pig!”;
But who are these people we are criticizing;
Genesis 1:26 -27
So if we,people, are His image - then, if we criticize others or ourselves are we essentially criticizing His image?
Response
We can only produce what we are at the core;
Think about this, if I planted corn seeds should I expect strawberries?
Likewise, our tongue can only share what is planted in our hearts;
And for many our hearts have had acres upon acres of pain, criticism and abuse planted;
But heres something amazing and freeing - we have access to the International Harvester that can till up that pain, criticism and abuse, lay down new fields and bring in a bountiful harvest;
The question is are you going to give Him access to your heart?
