A Sign of Spiritual Maturity
The book of James is so practical. It gives us so many commands and insights to help us live the Christian life well. James said that the tongue is a fire, and no one can tame the tongue. Of course, he was saying that no human being can tame the tongue, but God can tame anything. Then, he said that we all stumble, but if we do not stumble in what we say, we are perfect, or mature, so that we can bridle the whole body, as well. (James 3:2) This is a fabulous lesson for every believer.
Many Christians have not learned how to allow the Holy Spirit to empower them to bridle their tongues. In fact, many think that is impossible, so they do not try. They simply try not to do too many sinful things with their bodies. However, they will fail in that, too, because they must know how to allow the Spirit to empower them for that, as well. Therefore, James says, if we learn how to tame the tongue by God's power, we can tame the whole body. That makes the tongue the gauge of our spiritual maturity. If we are able to bridle the tongue we are spiritually mature enough to bridle the whole body. So let's start with the tongue, submit it to the Lord for Him to tame, and then, let's give every part of our bodies to Him, so we can live the Christian life as He desires.
Tomorrow, I intend to read James 4-5 and I Peter 1.
Many Christians have not learned how to allow the Holy Spirit to empower them to bridle their tongues. In fact, many think that is impossible, so they do not try. They simply try not to do too many sinful things with their bodies. However, they will fail in that, too, because they must know how to allow the Spirit to empower them for that, as well. Therefore, James says, if we learn how to tame the tongue by God's power, we can tame the whole body. That makes the tongue the gauge of our spiritual maturity. If we are able to bridle the tongue we are spiritually mature enough to bridle the whole body. So let's start with the tongue, submit it to the Lord for Him to tame, and then, let's give every part of our bodies to Him, so we can live the Christian life as He desires.
Tomorrow, I intend to read James 4-5 and I Peter 1.