Are you burning or building the Kingdom? James 3:1-18
One of the greatest things about out society is that we are a people who build. Especially here in America. If someone builds a bigger building than we do, we simply build one bigger. If someone else builds a big stadium, another city will work to build a bigger one. You only have to look in the Guinness Book of Records to see that we want to build BIG EVERYTHING! Sundaes, balls of string, bridges, you name it… we build it bigger!
But we are also a nation of destroyers. If you have ever watched shows on TLC or Discovery they will even host a weeks that highlight the fact that we love to blow things up. The bigger the explosion the better. And we laugh at that kind of thing, we will ooh, and aahh we there is a big flash and a lot of smoke. We can blow things up better than anyone in the world!
There is however an even deadlier way that we destroy. All of us are guilty of it at one time or another. And some of us may even be guilty of it today.
That is apparently what was on James’ heart when he addressed the deadliest, yet most utilized destruction tool. THE TONGUE!
As we have seen through this book James addresses what has happened or is happening in the local church, he also uses real life illustrations to help us understand. The issue is one that we can destroy relationships with the flick of a tongue, we can ruin a church by the tossing of a few well-lit words.
(read verses 3-5)
James uses three different elements to explain the power of the tongue. Now the first two actually lead you to see that it is not necessarily the instrument as much as it is the one playing it. Some one has to pull the reins on the bit, and someone has to steer the rudder. James says in verse two that if you can do that then you can control the whole of who you are. But we are told to look and see how large and destructive a fire that the tongue can create.
Many of the fires out west today were started by a single arsonist with a single match. And that is how many destructive situations happen today. We light very destructive fires with the flick of a tongue. But James does not just leave it there… He gives a clear reason as to what the cause is, why it could be that way among people who claim to be Christians.
Beginning in verse 6 through 12 James tells us exactly where that kind of talk comes from…
He says it is a:
A Hellish Fire
God’s word here is very clear.
The root cause of a FIREY and POISON tongue is not the tongue itself. It is when Satan motivates your speech that it will, at its very heart be from:
1. BITTERNESS – Bitterness is not a Godly attribute. It is in fact a cancer, a poison that begins to eat at your internally and when you are pressed in a situation you use that bitterness to bite back. And frankly bitterness begets bitterness. And the more bitterness that you allow to flow, the more harsh and evil your words become. And you burn downward…
2. JEALOUSY – It will drive us to draw attention to us. It is the very thing that Satan uses to get us to verbally bring down others. To make what someone else is doing look small and to tear down what good they are doing. The easiest way to do that is if out of jealousy we verbally attack with out clear truth, or slander and our words are not truly honest. And the more you burn downward….
3. SELFISHNESS – “I didn’t get it my way so I am going to talk bad about them.” Now that isn’t what we would say out loud to ourselves… but it sure is what we will do. Selfishness will lead you to say things that are mean, evil and nasty about people … And the more you do the more you burn downward…
In verse 9 thru 12 You can feel James’ frustration -James says this ought not be the way… it makes no sense… how can you say you love GOD and yet turn right around and cuss not only your neighbor but someone in the church!
Our speech needs to be and build a:
Heavenly Framework
Building requires framework, it requires using words to build friendships, relationships and unity. And The tongue builds where WISDOM is ACTIVE. Remember – wisdom is active knowledge. And wisdom from God has this to set as its framework.
1. PEACE – Your words should seek to calm and set a tone of peace. But when you withhold honesty from a situation, or you say “for the sake of the peace” or you keep words to your self you may be doing more damage to the peace. But wisdom used thru peaceful words can build a strong relationship. You never have to account for words you never said but you may have to apologize for something you withheld.
2. REASON – when your words are guided by God’s wisdom they will find reasonable use, they will be sound and helpful. It will help you open your eyes and not be selfish but rather to be able to yield to a different way when you think it thru and apply that wisdom.
3. MERCY – Kind words will flow from a heart that has mercy. And why should your words be driven by mercy. Because we all have made stupid mistakes and to be honest just as bitterness begets bitterness so Mercy begets Mercy. And one day your going to need it…
4. GENUINE – That is “without hypocrisy” or better known as not talking out of both sides of your mouth. Wisdom guided words are ones that you are not afraid to have repeated back to you. Why? Because they are nothing to be ashamed of. When you tell something to one and then to another, something else you will always have to insure that you never get the two in the same room. But genuine wisdom guided words work to build relationships. It actually brings people together.
Building not Burning
Ask your self -
Are my words HONEST yet HUMBLE?
“Where words are many, sin is not wanting; but he who restrains his lips does well.” Proverbs 10:19
Your words may be honest, but if you are not humble in the manner you use them they will be caustic. In truth you may be right but if you cannot bring across in a humble and kind way you will harm any chance of restoration. The key is to use the truth humbly. Words spoken out of love and humility will always correct and mend a situation, it will build people up and it restores harmony in the Kingdom
Is what I am about to say intentionally HURTFUL?
“Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18
The fire in the tongue can get you to say things that are intentionally hurtful. And quite often you do that. Whether it is in a fight with a spouse or child, or maybe even a coworker. People will use even profanity. Why? Outside of the fact that it exhibits their lack of knowledge it is specifically use to tear down someone or a situation. But if you ask your self, “Am I saying this just to hurt?” and you say yes – then stop. Your words or lack thereof will build relationships and unity in the Kingdom.
Does my speech HELP the situation?
“He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates the best of friends.” Proverbs 17:9
Growing up you remember hearing “if you cant say something nice…” – But when you are going to give your input to a situation or a relationship, look for ways to bring helpful things in. Anybody can look for the negative and critical, make harsh comments and tear down a plan, a purpose and even a passion. But Godly men and women will seek to use God’s wisdom to build up, to look for a positive solution to a transgression and will find ways to help to make REAL peace in the Kingdom.
Is the attitude behind my words HELLISH or HOLY?
“As in water face reveals face, so a man’s heart reveals the man.” Proverbs 27:19
Just as James says that your works are an indicator of your faith… your words are indicators of what is burning in your heart.
The attitude of what drives you will always manifest itself in your words. When they are not humble, when they are hurtful and when they harm a situation or a person… then James tells you that the source can be clearly seen… earthly, natural and demonic. But if your heart and attitude are holy then your speech will reflect who you really allow to control you.
By your words, your speech you will indicate what is in your heart. When you stop and allow Godly wisdom to speak, when your heart is Spirit controlled, your words will reflect it.
So the question God asks you is are you burning or building My Kingdom?
Or do your words build the harmony and unity of the body? Do they strengthen and frame the foundation?
So let me ask you – Are you burning or building the Kingdom?
