Success - The Importance of Speech

Scripture Reference: James 3:1-12

With the tongue we can soothe, comfort and encourage or it can ignite a fire, cause a riot, or destroy the hopes and dreams of the meek. We train our minds with education and fine books. We train our souls with prayer and worship. We train our bodies with exercise and diet. The tongue has little training. James points out that the tongue like the rudder of a ship or the bridle of a horse controls the direction of the larger body. One of the best tongue exercises I know is just holding it. In the movie "Bambi" a little rabbit named Thumper is reminded of a lesson, "If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all." Within these words there is a great truth about our speech. Before we say something ask, "will this be a blessing of truth or will it create confusion and troubles?" We should not shy away from speaking truth. We should avoid using truth as a vehicle for causing pain. Perhaps we should visualize our teeth clenching a cross before we speak. Communication is far too important to be wasted in falsehood, curses, or gossip.
Prayer: The heavens are telling the glory of God. All of creation speaks of your power and majesty, ever present Lord. Even the unseen things, the distant stars, and the tiniest particles of matter proclaim volumes and declare the wonder that is yours alone. Help us speak faithfully of all your do. Help us to speak wisely in all we say. Help us use the gift of speech to bring you glory. Let the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our rock and our redeemer. Amen.
Author: Jim O'Connell

Part of Devotional Series: Lessons For Living

For information about this devotion contact: jimoc@flash.net

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