Make me Yours

James Chapter 3 

Taming the Tongue

3 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body,sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

i was in much need of this passage last night. By God's awesome timing I opened my bible to where my book mark was and read this chapter. It was exactly what I needed to inhale. 

I have been struggling with ignoring fault. My faults and the faults of others. If we were all more careful of what we said no one would feel torn inside. Speak only the good people need to hear. Listen to only the good. Walk away from judgement, forgive and simply forget.

Lord, I really need you. You know how badly I beat myself up with harsh verbal punishment when I wrong myself or others. Take away this guilt that wraps around my neck, chocking me. I want to breathe in you and your loving mercy. 

I ask that you send your leaders of angels to guard my mouth and ears when I am in harms way. I ask that you command them to move my feet from keeping me standing in quick sand that is making me drown in temptation. 

Father, rescue me from others and myself. Make me whole and completely yours. Help me tame my whole being; though I will never be perfect. I long to strive to be like you.