Taming Your Tongue

Taming Your Tongue "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." James 1:26 Today, I want to talk to you about the tongue, which is so difficult to control, as anyone who controls it perfectly gains control of himself in all other areas of life as well. We must understand that what we say is born in our heart, then moves to our head, and then is manifested in our conversation. We can never talk about taming our tongue, until we talk about taming our heart. You don't commit the act of adultery until it starts in your heart, moves to your head, and finally is performed by your body. Having your heart right is the key to how you live your life, and the actions you perform day in and day out. We can accomplish so much with our conversation, while we can also destroy so much. I believe it is critical to use our conversation to build others up. We should always take the opportunity, when speaking to people, to lift them up, and be an encouragement to them. I also believe at the same time, that we have to use conversation to be honest with people. Even if it is uncomfortable and painful, it is better to get it out in the open, and deal with a problem before it becomes even a larger problem. I would encourage you to take inventory of your conversation. Be aware of the things you say, how you say it, and the impact it has on others. You can always use God's gift of communication to build someone up, and to encourage them. Be aware that if you are not happy with the things that come out of your mouth, then you need to pray for the Lord to show you what is really in your heart. What you say is not an accident, it starts in your heart. Look at the scripture above, apply it to your life today, and don't let the Devil into your heart, but ask God to help you tame your tongue and your heart. Robert W. Brock My Daily Devotional Volume Seven September 23