James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.

Jesus says that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Our mouth, or tongue, is a barometer of our heart. Though we may perform outward religious acts quite well, the true test of our character and our faith in Christ is what comes out of our mouth. What goes into a man does not defile him, rather, what comes out of his mouth defiles a man. James will go on to say in chapter 3:2 that if we are able to control what comes out of our mouth we are able to bridle the entire body.

Proverbs tells us that death and life are in the power of the tongue. We can speak words of encouragement that brings life to the hearer, or we can speak words of criticism that brings death to the hearer. Regardless of the words we speak, they are a true reflection of our heart.

Our words not only harm or build up others, they are also an indicator of our religion. An unbridled tongue that lashes out and harms others proves the falsity of our religion. It shows the world that we are truly decieved. What we may profess to believe and the acts of service we perform are shown to be worthless. The word religion here means our piety or worship of God. It is our act of service to God himself. If we outwardly appear to be worshipping or serving God and yet, our tongue is out of control, then our worship is in vain. Worship can and does change our heart. It softens and transforms us into the image of Christ and makes us more and more like Him.

Do you have a heart problem today? Take a few moments today and listen to waht comes out of your mouth at work, with your family or friends, or when no one is around and you are all alone… just you and God. What does your tongue say about your heart and your worsip of Christ today? It will either say that you are on track and have been able to bridle your tongue, or it will say that you are in need of heart surgery. I pray that it is the former.

Prayer

Lord, help me to bridle my tongue through the power of the Holy Spirit. I know that I alone can not do it but as I seek you, your word, and your power, it can be done in and through you. Help me to speak words that build up others rather than tear them down. Amen