Our Speech and Our Hearts

"If anyone among you thinks he is religious,and does not control his tongue but deceives his own heart,this one's religion is useless."

(from The Epistle of James,Chapter one,verse twenty-six).

The Epistle of James is a great and too often overlooked book of the Bible.Written by James, the oldest half-brother of Jesus,it gives advice on wise living and Godly behaviour.To many, it is reminiscent of The Book of Proverbs.Perhaps one of the reasons it is overlooked is because the focus is always placed on the faith versus works "controversy".In chapter two,verse twenty-six we read: "For as the body without the spirit is dead,so faith without works is dead also." People point out that salvation is a gift from God,which is correct.Many will then say that we can do nothing(works) to "earn" our salvation,this is also correct.However,as written here previously,if we are truly children of God,we will bear fruit evidenced in part by our good works.It's a natural occurrence for someone who is "a new creature in Christ".If you are not living your faith by what you say and do,then you are not of Him no matter what you profess.

It's a shame that this faith/works question has taken away from the rest of this epistle which is so relevant to the culture and times we are now living in.If you look at the opening quote,it can be a bit frightening when you think about it.If we are one who is inclined to use our speech to speak and relate in a manner that is consistently ungodly, then James tells us our religion is useless. After reading that,I'm sure most of us can't help but feel a little guilty as well as frightened.You see,Our Lord knows that one's heart is revealed by their speech.We read in Matthew,chapter 12:37 where Jesus says: "For by your words you will be justified,and by your words you will be condemned." If that doesn't cause all of us to be vigiliant in regards to how we talk I don't know what will.

Elsewhere in James,particularly in Chapter three,we are told about the damage our tongues can cause.But the beauty of it is,we are given a way to overcome this.Through the reading of His Word we are provided insight and encouragement in controlling what James calls, this "little member".We also have the assurance that He will help those who reach out to Him for help. A blessed assurance indeed!