Don’t Talk About It - 7-Day Prayer GuideSample

“One Day You’re Gonna Have to Confront It” 

By: Dante Bowe & Andrea Fisher

Scripture: Read James 1:19-27

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless” (James 1:26, NIV).

Big idea

One of the things that we need to confront within the community of believers is our obsession with looking the part of a Christian. We check off specific boxes: I read my Bible; check, I go to church; check, I pray; check, I can quote Scriptures; check, check, check. We consider ourselves to be a committed follower of Christ, but James 1:26 illustrates that our checklist is worthless if we cannot keep our tongue in check. In this verse, the word “religious” refers to those who believe they are faithful Christians, and James lists the requirement of being a devoted follower of Christ as having control over your tongue. Desiring to be committed to God is good, but what is of higher importance is how you actually live. If you lack the discipline to control your words, you are deceiving yourself about being a faithful follower of Christ, because self-control is essential to the Christian life (2 Pet. 1:5–6; Gal. 5:22–23).

You “deceive yourself” when your words mimic the essence of your heart instead of God’s. The Bible tells us that “out of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34), and what is in our hearts is what produces our words and actions. To “rein in the tongue,” we must transform our hearts and minds (Rom 12:2; Phil 4:8). James is explicit about what it means to obey this law freely. If you abide by this law, you are careful of what you say, by not giving your tongue the liberty of speaking whatever it desires. Also, you honor God and his ways with words that do not injure others because you understand that Christianity is not about looking good (how the outside world sees you). However, it is about being good (your character, and God’s perception of you). 

Reflection

Revealing your heart while holding up the banner of Christianity makes you an impersonator of the Christian faith, but when you communicate God’s heart, you are an imitator of Christ. 

Personal reflection

Read: 2 Peter 1:5–6; Galatians 5:22–23; Roman 12:2; Philippians 4:8, then write a personal affirmation based on these Scriptures. 

Prayer

Dear Lord, I will not be content with merely checking off boxes and looking the part of a Christian. Today, break my heart for what breaks yours. Break my will for your will. Give me your heart, give me your words, and show me more and more through your Word how to be like you. In Jesus Name, I pray, amen!