If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
~ James 1:26
Being a Christ-follower is a serious business. I can’t even explain how serious, but there are so many missed opportunities for us to make a difference in the lives of our friends and others because we cannot bridle our tongue. How many lost opportunities because happen we distanced ourselves from Christ as a result of our speech.
Talking about others behind their backs is gossip. Making false claims about others is slander. Saying things that are not edifying, but hurtful, is not helpful at all. This kind of activity is strongly discouraged by James because of its destructive reality.
Our speech defines us
There is one thing for sure; our speech matters. What we say matters. People are listening and that gives them a window into our hearts. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of our hearts, our mouths speak (Matthew 12:34). What’s in your heart? We come up with all kinds of excuses. I’m sure you’ve heard them all. I’ve heard people say, “It’s just the truth.” “I can say it because it’s true.” “People need to know.” “I’m always right.”
Some will use their speech to make themselves look better in front of their friends. Frequently people say things because it draws attention to themselves and they desperately need the attention.
Sometimes you want people to think you know “secret” stuff, and so you intentionally tell them something that might cause division.
This passage is not easy to stomach so early in the morning. Still, it is an excellent reminder that people are always looking at and listening to us while making decisions on whether or not our walk with Christ is authentic. If you listened to you, would you consider your words to be God-honoring?
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What we say matters because it defines us. James is clear when he writes that a loose tongue makes our outward religion worthless. Our testimony before others is of no effect. And once you ruin your influence with others it is very difficult to regain it.
Our speech defiles us
Not only does our speech define us, but it also can defile us. “I’m a believer! I love Jesus! Can you believe what so and so did?” You just ruined your potential impact in the lives of others. I know you might say, “I don’t care. People need to know about this.” James doesn’t give us permission to speak ill of someone because we think someone needs to know. Whatever you think you need to say, run it through the bridle of Scripture.
So why does it matter? James calls our outward testimony useless if we are not able to bridle our tongue. James didn’t say, “If you’ve always been that way, it’s ok to have a loose tongue.” He didn’t say, “If you feel like saying it, you should go ahead and say it.” Do you know why? Because self-discipline is a huge part of the Christian life and something we need to exercise.
We must discipline ourselves because it matters. When you feel like you have to say something that is not encouraging and potentially hurtful to someone else, go out in the woods and scream at a tree! Trees don’t have feelings. But stop ruining your influence in the lives of others by removing the bridle in your mouth.
Think about it. When you run your mouth and speak without any self-discipline, you’re no different than someone who is not controlled by the Holy Spirit. That’s why James calls it useless. You might as well be an unbeliever because that’s how you sound. Our speech can defile us.
So now what?
Put a bridle in your mouth. I know this is not a very encouraging “good morning post.” But it can be. I want to encourage you to think about your speech today. Think about how your speech matters and how it affects others. Do you tear down, or do you build up others? Are you an encourager or a discourager? Does your love for others change what you might want to say about them? Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your speech today, and this week. You can make a huge difference in someone’s life by speaking encouraging words.
A prayer
Lord, I know, and You know that I have a problem with my speech. I often let my mouth run away and hurt others and try to draw attention to myself. Will you please help me to encourage others this week in my speech. Will you please help me? Will you encourage me by your Holy Spirit to speak things that are godly and encouraging? I want my speech to point others to Christ as the Savior of the world. That means I need to exercise self-discipline in my speech. I know this begins in my heart, so Lord change my heart so that what I say is an overflow of a heart that loves You.