James 3:9-12
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
Have you realized that we generally speak in the way of the land that we live in because we are influenced by it. After having lived in many cities around the world, I have noticed that I tend to start speaking like the locals and use expressions that they use and think like them. It is amazing how adaptable the human mind is but it is also amazing how our spoken word can have such a dramatic effect on the world! Such is the power of the tongue that it can give life and cause death in a moment. The analogy used in this chapter of large ships being directed by rudders a fraction of their size puts our tongues in perspective. However, we know all of this and we generally don’t use our tongue for damage and so what is the point God is trying to make to us here?
As humans, our purpose in life is not just to live and let live. If we do so, we end up going the way of the world which is driven by Satan towards destruction. Almost everything around the world that is run by us humans is also destroyed by us. Wars are constantly being fought, corruption is an everyday reality, pollution is rampant to a point of causing destruction to the earth, and more. Our purpose is to shine the light of Jesus who came to this world to die for us sinners and give us a chance to live under His leading. When we follow Him, we are ambassadors of Christ and we therefore need to watch our every word. Christ is an embodiment of love and we need to reflect that in our lives and our speech. We cannot be a christian in church and a secular person outside if we want to share the good news of Jesus to the world. Have you started to control your rudder or are you a professor of misdirection?
In His Loving Service,
ServantBoy
Matthew 7:16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
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Daily Christian Journal 
Vineet bro,
I am blessed reading your messages. God has given us the power of speech, just to praise his name, show our love and compassion to others. Every word in the Holy book conveys the truth alone.
Thanks much for the brilliant write given to your by the Spirit of God. My blessings and love to you and your family.
Priya,
Thank you for taking time to read and comment. As I have always maintained, the only one who deserves glory is God for the wisdom is from Him alone. If people knew me personally, they would know that this devotional is not something I’m capable of and therefore it is the working of the Holy Spirit in me. Every word in the Bible is true and has stood the test of time indeed.
In Christ,
Vineet
Vineet, thank you for adding His light and love to this world! God bless you and yours! deb
Debbie,
Thank you for being a faithful encourager to me and my spirit. God bless you for your sincere and loving heart.
In Christ,
Vineet
very very touching but still man still lives the same. If 10% of the xians around the world acknowledged this WHAT A CHANGE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN
Juby,
Thank you for your comment and thanks also for agreeing with me. The challenge is to share God’s truth to those around us and be gentle with our words doing everything with love and patience.
In Christ,
Vineet