James 3:1-2 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. (2) For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.

One of the greatest gifts a young man or woman could be granted is the gift of teaching. The ability to shape minds, influence through persuasive words, and lead others into the realm of knowledge and information can be quite fulfilling. When it comes to teaching the Word of God we are to be very careful. We must do all we can to rightly divide the Word as to teach it correctly. Those who have been charged with teaching the Word of God will be judged with a greater strictness than those who are simply the ones being taught. This fact should not concern one who is called to teach, rather, it offers the ability to tap into the Holy Spirit and rely on Him in a much greater way.

One of the misconceptions is that teachers have arrived! Many will be placed on a pedestal as though they were free from sin and should be revered with awe and wonder. There are men I have had a relationship with over the years that were amazing teachers. One of which spoke and taught many Biblical languages. He could rightly divide the Word with precision. And all the while was having an affair and eventually lost his position and his reputation. Another man I trusted was teaching the Word of God and was deceptive on his taxes and ran his family into financial ruin. Men who teach will face stricter judgement because if they fall they not only affect their own life, but the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of fellow Christians.

James says in verse two that we stumble in many ways. If anyone doesn’t stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. Now, not all teachers stumble in the way I shared in my two examples, but we all stumble. James will proceed to discuss how teachers, as do all of us, stumble with our tongue.

Recently I was able to work through some communication issues I have been struggling with for years. The Lord has been patient with me and so have the people around me that my defensive communication has affected. But not so long ago, after a day of successful meetings and conversations, I lashed out with unkind words to my wife. I allowed the tongue to wreak havoc in my life once again. The unfortunate part that cuts right to the bone is what Jesus says, “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.”

So as we walk through the six images James uses in reference to the tongue, it is important to remember that the tongue speaks only what is in the heart. So today, if you have a tongue issue, then you need heart surgery. As I have had to recently do, and will continue to do, I encourage you to ask the Lord to remove the bitterness, frustration, insecurities and anger that are deep in your heart. The things that defile your inner being and your testimony of Christ in you. Ask Him to renew you by the power of the Holy Spirit giving you the power to walk in a manner worthy of Christ. Grant the ability to speak the love, hope, peace, and patience that He would have you speak when you engage with others.

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for having a tongue of fire. I truly trust your Word and thank you that you have given me an opportunity to share it with others. Please help me to live in a manner worthy of your judgement and that I will always bring glory to your name. Thank you for your abundant peace and patience as I stumble through life seeking my ultimate joy and pleasure in You. Amen.