Friday, July 16, 2010

July 16, 2010

"The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." James 3:6
Sounds serious doesn't it?
It is!
Something needs to be done about this!
But what? How do you get control over this dangerous and destructive little organ?
Jesus, as usual, offers some insights:
"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." Matthew 12:33-34
Here's the deal, problems with the tongue are really problems with the heart! Your tongue simply reveals what is contained in your heart. Fix your heart and your tongue issues will cease!
Easier said that done!
Let's examine some of the heart issues that expose themselves through the tongue. Andy Stanley in his book "It Came From Within" identifies four basic problems of the heart that are betrayed by the tongue.
Those four are guilt, anger, jealousy and greed. When any of these or any combination of them lurk in your heart it is inevitable that eventually they will express themselves through your speech.
Ever have one of those moments when something ugly erupts off your tongue and embarrasses you. To cover the awkwardness you say, "Wow! I don't know where that came from!"
It came from within! Once you are exposed like that you have a choice, will you deal with your heart or try harder to filter your speech? Your decision on that will make you or break you. Bite your tongue or right your heart?