November 10, 2014 WORD POWER For we all stumble in many ways (James 3:2, ESV). What a refreshing admission, especially considering Jamess emphasis on behavior! Still, our acknowledgment of the real need not dim our belief in Gods ideal for us as His representatives on earth. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body (vs. 2, ESV). The form of the condition in Greek implies that not stumbling in word is a real possibility. The importance of words can scarcely be overestimated. Thoughts lead to words, which in turn lead to actions. Words also reinforce what we think. Thus, they influence not only what we do but also what others do. We are interconnected through language. This weeks passage contains several illustrations of the power of the tongue. The first three emphasize how something small can have huge consequences: a bit and bridle can turn a horse, a rudder can steer a ship, and a spark can engulf a forest in flames. WHAT positive kinds of word power do we find in Scripture? See Deut. 6:6-7; 23:23; Ps. 40:3; Prov. 10:20-21; 12:25; Mal. 2:6-7; Luke 4:22; Rom. 10:6-8. __________________________________________________________ Young children are impressionable, but, like trees that grow stiffer and more fixed, children resist change more as they age. In one sense we are all teachers, whether in the home or in the church. Because our words have so much power, its important to bathe our thoughts in Gods Word early in the day. After all, what feeds our thoughts and words: Gods Spirit or another source? We must not underestimate the enormous changes that are possible through Gods Word (Ps. 33:6, compare 2 Cor. 4:6), as opposed to other sources. Words are so potentially powerful that, with just a few sentences, you can devastate a person, perhaps for the rest of his or her life. On the other hand, positive words can uplift someone, perhaps for just as long.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 00:39:02 +0000
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