Devotionals

Talk is Cheap

Introduction

In a world full of people who use language in a not-so-very-nice way, it's easy to stand out when we don't use those harsh words. Do you ever find yourself saying something you normally wouldn't say whether it be good or bad? Have you ever thought about the power that your words can have? Although actions speak louder than words, there's still a lot of power in words, and I'd like to go through the book of James with you as we learn how and why words are so important.

There are two main sections in James that I'd like to share with you. Before we do that, however, I'd like to point out two songs that are about words and their impact. Speak Life by Tobymac and Words by Hawk Nelson. I will add Speak Life onto the media section of this chapter so you can listen to it, and feel free to go on YouTube later and check out Words if you get the chance. Okay, let's take a look at ‭‭James‬ ‭1:19-21, 26-27‬ ‭of the NIV version.

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

Well, it's pretty straightforward and honest for sure. ‬‬Tell us how you really feel, James. The first part I want to focus on is the very beginning. The Bible tells us to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Seems easy, right? Simple, maybe. Easy, depends on who you are, but not easy for the most part. The point is that we probably know that we should think before we speak and not get angry easily, but we don't really live that out in our lives. Ironically, James talks about how faith without action is dead later on in the book of James, but I'll cover that in another devotional.

Continuing on with great key points, we read about how we should get rid of all moral filth. What is moral filth, you ask? Well, think of it this way. It's whatever you wouldn't your parents or pastor to see you doing, watching, reading, looking at, etc. Even better, here's a verse that describes what we should fill our lives with. Philippians 4:8 says this:

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things."

Do the things you do, say, read, look at, etc. reflect God? If not, it's time to change some of your habits. Some people struggle with this more than others, but the main thing is that you change what you know needs to be changed. We all struggle with something, so don't feel like you're alone. Feel free to message me if you need help on how to change your lifestyle so that it better reflects God in your life.

Now, I'd like to ask you a question. Why is it important to stay away from moral filth? It's a bit off topic, but I'd like to address this really quickly. Think about what God has done in your life if you believe and have given your life to Him. He died for you and me so that we can have everlasting your life. Nothing we do can ever be enough, so we humbly accept God's gift of grace, forgiveness, love, and an eternity with Him.

If we can't earn our way into heaven, shouldn't we at least show our appreciation to God by living our lives to please Him? The way I see it, it's like a thank you gift. Because God gave me eternity in heaven with Him, I choose to live a life that honors Him. Sorry it's off topic, but that's why I think words and actions are so important. They're a reflection if our hearts and our appreciation for God. If we live our lives in sin and intentionally going against the Bible and God's laws, what kind of example are we setting for others? Not a very good one. While words are important, actions matter, too.

Now let's move on to the second group of verses found in the book of James. These verses continue to discuss the importance of what we say, and I like them because they're very descriptive. Check out James 3:5-12.
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"Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being 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 human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water."

Again, James is honest. He reminds us of how our words can affect others a lot more than we think. What we say matters even if we don't think it does. Our words can lift others up or break them down depending on how we use them. We have a lot of power, and how we use that power is important. Everything you say can point people to God or not.

Here's another point. Have you ever said something okay when you really wanted to say something bad? Don't just say good things because other people are around. Character is acting the same when you're alone as when you're around others (friends, family). If you plan to say something not-so-nice under your breath when you're alone, then why wouldn't you say it in front of your family or friends? I'm not saying you should say bad stuff in front of people, but I am saying that you should act and say the same stuff you would anywhere. If you say stuff around one group of people but not another, maybe it's time for a change of words.

Please don't feel like I'm pointing out flaws or calling anyone out. We all deal with different struggles, and we should all want to help each other. The first step to fixing a problem is realizing that there is a problem. I say all this in love, and I hope that everyone who is reading this can and will change whatever is necessary to point others to God. I care about you very much (yes, I'm talking to you) and I hope you have a great day. If you feel frustrated or upset about anything I said or something that's going on in your life, please feel free and come to me about it. I'm always here for you.

Author's Note: sorry this devotional is longer than usual. I just felt like there was a lot of stuff that needed to be pointed out, and it just so happened that it took more paragraphs to explain it. Thank you for understanding!