A weekday morning devotional series written by Aaron Marcarelli and hosted by Chad McBeam
Good morning and welcome to today's but God weekday morning devotional. We are looking at James 3 verses 1 through 5. Do not become teachers in large numbers, my brothers, since you know that we who are teachers will incur a stricter judgment For we all stumble in many ways If anyone does not stumble in what he says he is a perfect man, able to rein in the whole body as well. Now if we put the bits into the horse's mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their whole body as well. Look at the ships too.
Chad McBeam:Though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are nevertheless directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot determines. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. Why does James warn us about becoming teachers? Because teachers are in front of people all the time, and they speak and use many words. James is referring to Psalm 39 verse 1 regarding bridling our tongues as we bridle a horse.
Chad McBeam:It reads, I said, I will keep watch over my ways, so that I do not sin with my tongue. I will keep watch over my mouth as with a muzzle, while the wicked are in my presence. We all need to control our tongue, especially when we are being attacked by the enemy and watched by those who do not follow Christ. They are looking for a reason to chastise and persecute us. The writer of the book of Hebrews explains that our words should be purposeful and stand in the perfect word of God.
Chad McBeam:He explains in Hebrews 4 verse 12, For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any 2 edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Therefore, we are called to be His witnesses, teaching others how to walk in His ways. If we are in the Word of God and speak the truth in love, then He will lead us to do so step by step. He will guide us as we learn to walk in His ways. This will allow us to control our tongues so that we can follow Him and be witnesses for Him.
Chad McBeam:Gracious Lord, we give you thanks and praise for your glorious and perfect love through the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life with you. Help us to control our tongues and our thoughts which lead us to unsavory actions. Give us Your strength. Help us to always rely on Your Holy Spirit which resides in us. We pray all this in the Name of Jesus.
Chad McBeam:Amen. Shalom. Shalom blessings. Press in. And press on