On using Christian mouths for good – some of the following thoughts have been inspired by a chapter in Ian Hamilton’s commentary on Ephesians.
The problem of the tongue
We’ve all said things we later regret. One of the problems with what we say is that people tend to remember (and often nurture) the bad stuff. Words can’t cannot be unsaid. On the other hand, there are times (albeit rarely) when we may say something edifying to someone which is not forgotten.
I’ve had my share of heated interactions. However, regrettable exchanges can occur among mature leading Christians on Social Media platforms. Today we see professing Christians wedding themselves to the culture and attacking those who (I believe) are standing firm biblically. Unfortunately, there have been times when those on the right side of a debate conduct it the wrong way.
Christians must address error in a firm, biblical, yet meek manner. If you’re like me, pride can get in the way. It’s a discipline to realize when to gently walk away from an unedifying argument.
Ian Hamilton’s thoughts
Under the subtitle “Use Your Mouth for Good” (p 179), Ian Hamilton writes,
…it is never enough for Christians to avoid sin. The avoidance of corrupting talk is to be married to a desire to speak only “what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers”…Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it true? These should be the questions that govern what we say to others…
Paul is not suggesting that a Christian will never speak passionately or rebuke. He is saying that our words are always to be appropriate, “good for necessary edification,” never thoughtlessly inappropriate. Everyone we speak to is made in God’s image and should be respected, even honored. (Emphasis mine)
Now there’s a challenge!
The Apostle James
Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they may obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Behold the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder, wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.
So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. Behold, how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.
For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by the human race.
But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father; and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.
(James 3:3-10)
Maranatha!
Further reading:
The Brotherliness and Sisterliness of Faith
Sharing is caring!
