James 3:2 - We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is
never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body
in check. (NIV)
Our little dog, Peanut, is old. He also has only three teeth, which means that
keeping his tongue in his mouth is a full-time job. Without his teeth, it is
quick to slip out the sides of his lips, which causes him great frustration and
trouble as he tries to get control over it and reel it back in.
Trying to lick things is also a major chore, and he often misses the mark. He
doesn't give up, though. He diligently works day and night to discipline this
part of his little being to keep it under control.
As I have watched him, laughed at him, and finally come to marvel at his
persistence in this matter, God has reminded me time and again how important it
is to keep working on reeling in my tongue as well. Unlike Peanut, I still have
all my teeth and therefore have no excuse for a slip of the tongue; yet my
tongue still keeps slipping. It's like it has a mind of its own some days, the
way it takes off and spews out words that leave me feeling guilty, embarrassed,
annoyed, or just plain shocked at myself. At such times, I remember not only
today's words of James, but also of Jesus, who said, "For out of the overflow of
the heart the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12:34b NIV) These words remind me that my
tongue only speaks my mind. Paul offers the solution:
Romans 12:2a - Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. (NIV)
So, if I want to be become more and more adept at reeling in my tongue, and
keeping it in, I need to continue to discipline myself to the renewing of my
mind through the Word, fellowship with other believers, and prayer. By so doing,
more and more, I "will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his
good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2b NIV), which does not include
slips of the tongue.
Prayer: Lord God, how magnificent and beautiful is the mind of Christ. Bless us
this day with motivation to present our bodies to You as living sacrifices, holy
and pleasing. Continue to renew our minds, that the words which flow from our
tongues will be full of praise, encouragement, and truth, that others, as well
as ourselves, will be built up and not torn down by slips of the tongue. In the
wonderful name of Jesus, we ask. Amen.
Lynne Phipps lynnephipps@hotmail.com
Atlin, British Columbia, Canada
Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca
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