James chapter 3 covers mainly taming the tongue and wisdom: two very key parts of following Christ.
The chapter starts out talking about teachers.
“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (3:1)
When teaching the Bible, it can be easy to slip up and teach the wrong things which can lead to misguidance.
Therefore, it is important to make sure when we teach things, that it is accurate.
The chapter continues with taming tongues.
“Although [ships] are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.” (3:4)
We need to watch what we say because it can have large consequences on our lives.
“...but no human beings can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (3:8)
That seems complex. Why should we try to tame it if it can not be done?
Ecclesiastes 7:20 states “Indeed, there is no one on Earth who is righteous, no one who did what is right and never sins.”
Romans 3:23 says “...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”
Well, between those three verses, getting to heaven seems pretty hopeless.
But…
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 3:24 says
“And all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
While the other verses pointed out that we are sinners, those two verses point out that God still love us and that we can still be saved.
So where does this all connect to taming our own tongues?
While it may be impossible for us to actually be able to completely tame our tongues, it is important that we try.
God is willing to help you and forgive you, but you have to be willing to try.
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” (3:9-10)
Genisuse 1:27
“So God created mankind in his own image…”
If we are all made in the likeness of God, who are we to curse one another?
We are called to love one another with the same compassion we have for ourselves.
This chapter is a great chapter when dealing with people. Whether it be at work, school, or the store, It teaches us about how to handle ourselves in a Godly manner.
It takes 21 days to form a habit. So as you go about the next 21 days, try to enforce these verses in your daily life.