One Dangerous Weapon

On Keats Island in British Columbia, I spoke to junior high schoolers at a camp. (My respect for junior high teachers grew exponentially after this experience.) However, I captured their attention by asking them to keep a secret with me. On Wednesday of that week, I had arranged to have a deadly weapon brought onto the island. They could see it, touch it, and ask questions about it.

A Canadian Armed Forces officer was in on it with me and agreed to help me pick up the “weapon” and carefully carry it into the camp in an ammunition box. The teens gathered with expectancy as the box entered the room.

They did not know that I had arranged with a butcher to give me a cow’s tongue. It was huge and heavy. When I pulled it out, you should have seen the youth respond to the tongue. It was bloody and slimy, just perfect for junior highers!

With tongue in arms, I recited this passage in James, emphasizing that we each have a choice about how we speak. I explained that this weapon has been used to bring down the strongest men and women. Since everyone can relate to and is perhaps guilty of tongue misuse, I had them share in small groups about a time when someone said something to them that really hurt or embarrassed them. Out of our mouths can come praises and curses.

James is giving hope to those struggling to get through a day without being critical, swearing, or lying. Our tongues can be disciplined. In the same manner, a bit is used to direct a horse, or a rudder is used to steer a sailboat on the correct course—this relatively small part of our physical body can be, and has to be, directed. We can discipline ourselves in how we speak.

Respond in Prayer

Jesus, as a step of discipline, may I not have a critical word come from my mouth this week. Nudge me if I fail. May I use my tongue to bestow blessings and praise on others.

Carson Pue