Wed the 30th

James 3: 9-10

⁹With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. ¹⁰Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.

 

There are many things in life that can serve dual purposes. Take salt for example, a little on food and it adds much needed flavor to bland food, yet too much and it will become corrosive, eating through even the toughest steel, or the atom if used correctly can power an entire city, yet in the wrong hands it can destroy the same city that it provided power for. We are not much different, there is a duality to mankind that is as corrosive as salt, and can cause devastation on a personal level that would rival an atomic bomb. Yet in the same way we choose to use these elements, we also choose how to use our most critical gift. The gift of words. We can choose to build up or tear down, we can choose to praise God, or we can curse him. The example that Paul gives is perhaps the best example of our duality, we Praise God, yet curse God’s finest creation, the one creation He set above all others on earth…..our fellow man. Getting ahead in today’s world seems to have changed from the idea that hard work, and loyalty is all you need, to more of a mindset of if I can make everyone else look bad, then I can get ahead and not have to produce as much. As a result more time is spent tearing down and cursing each other, than working towards the goal. We see it at work and we see it in politics, sometimes we might even see it around our house. Do not let yourself fall into that trap! Let your words be full of praise for God, and let your life be an example of hard work, humbleness, and loyalty. Humans cannot serve God, yet backstab their brother. The acidic tongue of the braggart, and the showman, might get noticed for a short while by the world, but it will be the one who stays focused, stays loyal to the goal, and keeps working that will reap the reward of accomplishment from the Lord. Our lives, and our relationships should be a reflection of our relationship with Christ. If a man tears down all that is around him to make himself look taller, why would one suppose that his relationship with the Lord be any different? We cannot ask for God’s grace, yet give none in return, we cannot beg for mercy form our creator, only to skewer our fellow man at the first hint of weakness, but most importantly, we cannot ask for forgiveness, then lord shortcomings over the people in our lives. We all need mercy, we all are weak, and without forgiveness all hope is lost. Let your words reflect the love of Christ. It was Christ who said “whatsoever you do for the least of my brother, that you do unto me”.  May we treat all with the same love that we show Christ.

 

May the love of Christ, and the peace of God be with you,

Brian