Many things can be either a tool or a weapon, depending upon how they are wielded. A hammer can build or demolish. A blade can be used to save a life or take a life. The parts of our bodies are no different. Paul urged us to consider the members of our bodies:
“Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.” (Romans 6:13)
When it comes to body parts that can we can use as either a tool or a weapon, our tongues are arguably one of the most powerful. James argued as much.
“The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” (James 3:5–10)
It shouldn’t surprise us then, that the Proverbs have much to say about this tiny, but powerful, member of our body. Proverbs 18:21 is not hyperbole. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
As those who have been brought from death to life, we ought to be people whose words bring others life. Words of encouragement. Words of truth. Words of hope. Words of eternal life.
Would you join us this Sunday? Randall Gruendyke will be preaching and Kenny Clark will be leading us in sung worship. Would you pray for each this week as they prepare?
See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!
Song Link of the Week
Take My Life and Let It Be by A New Liturgy
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee