The Tongue: One of the greatest hindrances to holiness
James 3:6 “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.”
Show me a perfect man, and I will show you a man who offends not in word.
The tongue is a dangerous and crucial member. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. The tongue has landed many careless talkatives into trouble.
But as christians, we are to bridle our tongue and bring it under control. The Bible says, “for by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” And many careless Christians are not mindful of that, but rather they talk, and talk without control. Neither is their speech filled with grace, nor seasoned with salt. Rather, they speak defamatory and corrupt words; worldly slangs and vocabularies are now the language that Christians speak.
Know that an empty bag cannot stand upright. You say you’re a christian, and you talk too much, you leak out all the grace of God in you because of unnecessary talking. You see a friend, you cannot moderate your talking and bring you tongue under control, instead, you talk and talk.
The bible says, “Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” You know your tongue always makes you feel wretched each time you speak, why not lock yourself in your room, and say, LORD you understand me, and you know my tongue, but please keep me holy.
Holiness touches all of our lives. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. Be sober! Some persons might not understand you, and they’ll even say things that will injure you emotionally, say things that will give you running stomach and even headache because of your new disposition, but ignore them because you’re to follow peace with all men, and keep your tongue.
What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Therefore, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me, lest the prince of this world cometh, and find somewhat against me.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and blessed are they that hear the words of the sanctified.
Meditate on these things, and the LORD give thee understanding in all things. God bless you!
Also Read: The Call to Holiness
Reagan Azoyenime is a born again Christian and an undergraduate student of Ambrose Ali University, Nigeria. He writes edifying Christian messages centred on salvation in Christ and holiness.
E-mail: razoyenime@gmail.com
