6 SEP 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional
“Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!” James 3:9-10
One thing that is evident in our culture today is our lack of control over our tongues. From children to Presidents, people freely use bad language to express frustration, anger, and even happiness. I even saw a shirt that said, “I’m a chaplain, but I cuss a little.” Being a Navy Sailor, there are things within the culture that reinforce bad language, like the stereotype “cursing like a sailor”. Ultimately, it dishonors the Lord when you use bad language.
Paul speaks of what will “not” be in the life of a follower of Jesus. “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.” (Col. 3:8) The standard you set is the standard you get. If you let it slide, then it will be the norm. The Holy Spirit works on every believer in the areas of sin in your life. He will turn up the heat to remove the dross and purify you. He intends to have a holy people to himself, not an unholy one.
As you read the third chapter of James, he lays out different pictures to describe the tongue. It has the power to heal and praise but also to damage and curse. So how are you doing?
Do you have a praising mouth or a potty mouth?
Reading Plan: Psalm 28; 1 Kings. 9:24-10:13; James 3:1-12; Mark 15:1-11
No comments:
Post a Comment