The Path of PerseveranceSample

Even so, the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. James 3:5

Words matter to God. In James 3, he uses vivid metaphors to illustrate how such a small part of our body (the tongue) can have a great impact. James emphasizes that while humans have tamed various creatures, the tongue truly is untamable and can be a source of both blessing and cursing. It was the word of God that created heaven and earth, speaking “let there be light” and there was light. That same word is still speaking today. In a deceived culture that says “your truth is your truth,” there is power in the tongue to speak LIFE. In the following portion of this chapter, James begins to describe heavenly wisdom, wisdom that we now have on the inside through the gift of the Holy Spirit. His wisdom is described as pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. In a world where truth has become relative, the wisdom and revelation of this Word will be what sustains the Body of Christ to the end.

1. What is my own speech like throughout the day in different contexts? Lord, reveal any areas that need Your leadership and wisdom.
2. James calls bitter envy and self-seeking in our hearts “earthly, sensual, and demonic.” This is a strong but important language to sit in. Do I recognize these things in my heart or in the environments around me?