James 3

Be Still: Jesus, open my eyes to see you rightly today. As I spend time with you, would you transform my heart and mind. Come and have your way. Amen

Read: James 3

‘Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and saltwater flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.’ (v10-12)

Encounter: A few years ago, I was preparing to lead a prayer meeting and had sensed God give direction for it - brilliant! However, the night before, I was with a friend and what began as innocent conversation, quickly descended into the venting of pent-up frustrations, and eventually gossip. I was unguarded with my words and said things that were neither honouring or frankly true. The next day, as I got up to lead the prayer meeting, I became aware that I had nothing to say. All sense of clarity and direction gone, and for the next hour I led the most incoherent, agonisingly awkward prayer meeting ever. 

As I walked home, I sensed God saying, ‘I have given you the gift of words, you cannot use them for bad, whilst still expecting me to bless them for good.’ In other words, ‘a salt spring cannot produce fresh water’. 

As someone who loves talking, this passage never fails to strike a chord. James highlights the danger of the tongue and its destructive nature when not under Holy Spirit control. We need this challenge now in an age where words are our greatest tool, most valuable currency, and most harmful weapon, yet where social media allows us to feel more detached from the consequences than ever before.

Let's be clear, there is a mandate on us to be a people whose words are submitted to God - who avoid gossip, grumbling and harsh words. Instead, preferring encouragement, honesty and ultimately – Jesus-centred conversations.  

Apply: If taming the tongue is something you struggle with - that’s okay! Ultimately, James says it’s impossible for humans to control their own tongue, it has to be a work of the Spirit. But that involves us giving over the reins to him.

Take a moment now to give the Holy Spirit all authority over your words today. That he would steer your conversations, leading you into words of life. 

Devote: Holy Spirit, I submit my words to you. Would you produce fresh, living water in me that flows through my conversations today. Help me see the power my words can have.