“Woe unto the world because of offenses, for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offenses come.” Matthew 18: 7
There is one part of our body that can get us into trouble quickly. No, it is not the eyes, nor the feet or the hands. Our eyes could betray our intentions, our feet could launch us into a flying kick, and the hands could give a knockout punch. This part of our body could set a wildfire of gossip that could destroy a character. The Lord’s brother, James, wrote to the growing Christian church this admonition which is still very relevant to every person, whether or not he is a Christian. To give the full thought of what he said, I will quote the whole passage. “The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 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.” James 3:6-12
The tongue gets sharper when it is constantly used. It is a self-sharpening sword that devours its victims, but if under the influence of the Holy Spirit can become a fountain of blessings that can cheer the sad, down-hearted individual. When used to spread good news, spoken with grace and seasoned with salt, we can defuse a bad situation that if badly handled can explode in violence and even murder. The words of the late Hon. Jack Layton quoted below are very true. “My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic, and well change the world.” Let us not be offenders of people, but rather be like the rays of sunshine bringing gladness to all creation.
Again, I would like to share with you these timeless words of wisdom from God –inspired Christian woman. These are words not only for people in her church but for others as well. “Words of reproach react on one’s own soul. The training of the tongue should begin with ourselves personally. Let us speak evil of no man. “Wherefore if your hand or your foot offend you, cut them off and cast them from you: It is better for you to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.”
“There may be cherished by us certain wrong things that are seemingly as dear as a hand or a foot. These things are to be put away from us forever. Never are our peculiar, unsanctified ideas be to be pressed upon others. There is a great work to be done among church members. Many who are not called upon to enter the public ministry may do much good in their home church by speaking advisedly with their lips. The talent of speech should be used to glorify God. Too often it is used to convey evil reports. This grieves away the Holy Spirit. Let us remember that we have a Savior who has bidden us (to) come unto Him with all our burdens. He will give us peace of mind, and He, too, will adjust that which to us seems so full of entangling difficulties. “Come unto Me” He pleads, “all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest...”
“Those who have indulged in words of complaint and criticism shall ... pledge that henceforth, by the Lord’s help, they will not speak evil of their brethren and sisters, but will take everything to God in prayer, and follow out the instruction he has given regarding the pointing out of wrongs in our fellowmen. Every church member may in his daily conduct be so exemplary, so prudent and careful in speech, so kind and compassionate, that he will be esteemed by all as one who fears and loves God. Such a man will have an influence for good over all his associates.
“We are fallible, and have erred many times. Let us return to the Lord with repentance and confession. As we assemble to participate in the ordinances of the Lord’s house, let us make every wrong right, so far as lies in our power. When bowing before a brother, washing his feet, ask you, “Have I caught in my heart that separates me from this brother?” Have I said or done anything that estranges us?” If so, take it away by heartily confessing your sin. Thus heart will be cemented to heart, and the blessing of God will be manifest.” Ellen G, White, Manuscript 102, 1904.
One song goes this way; “If I have wounded any soul today/ if I have caused one foot to go astray/if I have walked in my own willful way/Dear Lord, forgive.
“Forgive the sins I have confessed to Thee/Forgive the secret sins I do not see/ O guide me love and my keeper be/ Amen,Amen.”
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