THE SILENT PEN

THE SILENT PEN

READ:

James 3:1-12

The fruit of righteousness

is sown in peace by those

who make peace. –James 3:18

Former US President Harry Truman had a rule:  Any letters written in anger had to sit on his desk for 24 hours before they could be mailed.  If at the end of that “cooling off” period, he still felt the same sentiments, he would send the letter.  By the end of his life, Truman’s unmailed letter filled a large desk drawer.

How often in this age of immediate communication would even 24 minutes of wise restraint spare us embarrassment!  In his epistle, James addressed a universal theme in human history when he wrote about the damage an uncontrolled tongue can bring.  “No man can tame the tongue,” he wrote.  “It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (3:8).

When we’re gossiping or speaking in anger, we find ourselves outside the lines of what God desires.  Our tongues, our pens, and even our keyboards should more often fall silent with thanks in our hearts for the restraint God provides.  All too often, when we speak we remind everyone of our brokenness as human beings.

When we want to surprise others with the difference Christ makes, we may need to look no further than restraining our tongue.  Others can’t help but notice when we honor God with what we say-or don’t say.  –Randy Kilgore

Help me, Lord, to use my words not to

tear down others or build up my own reputation,

but to seek the good of others first, and in so doing

to serve You and Your kingdom.

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Whoever guards his mouth and tongue

keeps his soul from troubles. –Proverbs 21:23

INSIGHT

In today’s passage, James writes about Christian maturity.  One of the characteristics of maturity is self-control, particularly control of the tongue.  Fortunately, we are not responsible for developing it by willpower alone.  It is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23).

Have a blessed evening.

God Our Creator’s Love Always

Unity & Peace