Pious posture …loose lips
Every so often I’ll be asked to provide proof of identity for someone applying for a new passport. When it comes to stating my job description, I find “Minister of Religion” fits perfectly on the form. It also fits when it comes to what James has to say to me in chapter 1 verse 26.
James is writing to all those who consider themselves religious. (To be honest I’m a little averse to using the term - “religious,” I’d much prefer using the word “Christian,” but whatever term I use - “believer,” “christian,” “follower of Christ,” “religious,” I’m in no doubt that James is speaking to me). …And not just to me - if you consider yourself a Christian, he’s speaking to you as well. …What does he have to say? Lets hear it:
James 1:26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
James leaves us with the image of someone who portrays a pious posture, but with loose lips. It’s worthless, he says, they’re fooling themselves he argues, their religion he states, is pointless! The lack of self control over their tongue makes their religion worthless. …It’s a searing judgement. What they say contradicts who they say they are.
So what should the churchgoing, Bible reading, confessing Christian do? …Keep a tight rein on their tongue, is the implication James leaves us with. …Growing up one of the phrases my father had to say to me on several occasions was “hold yer tongue.” It wasn’t a command to reach into my mouth and grab it. It was to stop me being “lippy.” I was talking too much, I was saying the wrong thing. I needed to stop speaking.
And as an adult with children older than I was at the time, (not to mention being a Christian of some 35 years), I find I still need to “hold my tongue,” or to take James advice - “keep a tight reign on it.” It’s with my tongue I trespass most, it’s the part of me that most causes me to sin. …Perhaps you’re the same. If you consider yourself a Christian, but have loose lips, James would tell us - reign it in, think before you speak, sometimes we need to stop speaking altogether. I’ve always found the acrostic “THINK” useful when it comes to what comes out of my mouth.
T - True. …Is what I say true?
H - Helpful. …Would it be helpful in that situation?
I - Inspire. …Would my words inspire?
N. Necessary. … Is it even necessary to say anything at all?
K. Kind. …Are they kind? …T.H.I.N.K.
Keeping a tight reign on our tongue means we need to THINK before we speak. …Let’s pray.
Heavenly Father forgive me for the many times my tongue has not been reigned in. It has caused damage and negates my testimony as a follower of Christ. Help me to THINK before I speak. Amen.