This is a time of year when many people go out of their way to share hope and blessings on those less fortunate. That’s a wonderful thing! A friend shared verses 9-10 this morning, and when I looked at the entire passage, it struck me that it is very appropriate to share right now. I know so many people who have no problem cursing when things don’t go their way – it could be an inconsiderate coworker or a driver being reckless. It could be an unwanted phone call or it could be something that comes in the mail. There doesn’t even have to be a reason; the words can be a “normal” part of their language. God knows how often I have cursed, and how sorry I am now for the bad witness because of the words.

“1. Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.
2. Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.
3. We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth.
4. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong.
5. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.
6. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
7. People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue.
8. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.
9. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.
10. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!
11. Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water?
12. Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.” – James 3:1‭-‬12 NLT (http://bible.com/116/jas.3.1-12.NLT)

It’s so important how we conduct ourselves when we claim Christ. People are watching and judging. I am not perfect. I gossip and I slander and there are people about whom I have nothing good to say. In other words, I am wholly and imperfectly human. That said, I make a conscious effort to not do those things, most of the time. I will be judged, ultimately, by God. Listen to this song “Awake and Alive” by Skillet:

I’m at war with the world and they
Try to pull me into the dark
I struggle to find my faith
As I’m slippin’ from your arms
It’s getting harder to stay awake
And my strength is fading fast
You breathe into me at last

I’m awake I’m alive
Now I know what I believe inside
Now it’s my time
I’ll do what I want ’cause this is my life
Here, right here
Right now, right now
Stand my ground and never back down
I know what I believe inside

I’m awake and I’m alive
I’m at war with the world cause I
Ain’t never gonna sell my soul
I’ve already made up my mind
No matter what I can’t be bought or sold
When my faith is getting weak
And I feel like giving in
You breathe into me again

I’m awake I’m alive
Now I know what I believe inside
Now it’s my time
I’ll do what I want ’cause this is my life
Here, right here
Right now, right now
Stand my ground and never back down
I know what I believe inside
I’m awake and I’m alive

Waking up waking up
Waking up waking up
Waking up waking up
Waking up waking up

In the dark
I can feel you in my sleep
In your arms I feel you breathe into me
Forever hold this heart that I will give to you
Forever I will live for you

I’m awake I’m alive
Now I know what I believe inside
Now it’s my time
I’ll do what I want ’cause this is my life
Here, right here
Right now, right now
Stand my ground and never back down
I know what I believe inside
I’m awake and I’m alive

Waking up waking up
Waking up waking up
Waking up waking up
Waking up waking up

Songwriters
JOHN COOPER, BRIAN HOWES
Published By
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Read more: Skillet – Awake And Alive Lyrics | MetroLyrics
(Listen to Skillet On Amazon Music Unlimited.)