Not Everyone Should Teach ... Or Speak! – James 3
The past few weeks ... months ... wait, the past two years, have been an emotional roller coaster around the Parker household. Today was no different. And it was a good day to read James 3 to remind me of some important things.
I received a call today out of the blue, totally unexpected. The fellow on the other end came in hot and came in fast. He demanded answers and accountability for some things he literally knew nothing about. He made assumptions that were false and based on bad information. He asked no questions, only accusations and anger.
I'd like to say I met him with a calm and cool demeanor, and maybe I did, maybe I didn't, but I know I tried really hard. I know the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God, but today, I wanted to test the theory.
Then I read James 3. Off the bat I was reminded that teachers of the Word are held to a higher standard than others are. Like it or lump it, that's the way it is. The implications of that are simple. We don't get to teach the word and act like fools You may have a freedom to act a certain way, but the teacher cannot. Higher standard. People can be forgiven for past sins, certainly, but it still may preclude their serving in leadership capacity. David was forgiven for Bathsheba, but the sword follows his lineage to this day as a result.
I received a call today out of the blue, totally unexpected. The fellow on the other end came in hot and came in fast. He demanded answers and accountability for some things he literally knew nothing about. He made assumptions that were false and based on bad information. He asked no questions, only accusations and anger.
I'd like to say I met him with a calm and cool demeanor, and maybe I did, maybe I didn't, but I know I tried really hard. I know the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God, but today, I wanted to test the theory.
Then I read James 3. Off the bat I was reminded that teachers of the Word are held to a higher standard than others are. Like it or lump it, that's the way it is. The implications of that are simple. We don't get to teach the word and act like fools You may have a freedom to act a certain way, but the teacher cannot. Higher standard. People can be forgiven for past sins, certainly, but it still may preclude their serving in leadership capacity. David was forgiven for Bathsheba, but the sword follows his lineage to this day as a result.
Don't be so quick to desire to teach before you count the cost of scrutiny.
In the same breath, James goes on a lengthy diatribe about the actual words that come out of our mouths. I may be bald now, but those roots are red as red can be ... and all the fire that comes with it still burns! And today was a test of those roots to be sure!
James says, "Who among you is wise and understanding? " The ones who, with wisdom and gentleness, control their tongues, who control their emotions, who die to self in service to the King.
This goes for social media as well. If we are admonished to control our literal tongues which have limited influence at any given moment, how much more our digital ones who's influence can span oceans in seconds, reach millions in one viral moment. I know I've deleted a few ill-placed posts in my day.
How is your digital tongue today? Is it swollen with unbridled fury over real or perceived injustices around us? Or is it gentle and kind, dripping with the wisdom of a mature and surrendered heart?
Today let us all be quick to listen and slow to speak.
Oh, and by the way, cooler heads and gentle tongues did prevail today on both sides of the phone.
Maranatha!
James says, "Who among you is wise and understanding? " The ones who, with wisdom and gentleness, control their tongues, who control their emotions, who die to self in service to the King.
This goes for social media as well. If we are admonished to control our literal tongues which have limited influence at any given moment, how much more our digital ones who's influence can span oceans in seconds, reach millions in one viral moment. I know I've deleted a few ill-placed posts in my day.
How is your digital tongue today? Is it swollen with unbridled fury over real or perceived injustices around us? Or is it gentle and kind, dripping with the wisdom of a mature and surrendered heart?
Today let us all be quick to listen and slow to speak.
Oh, and by the way, cooler heads and gentle tongues did prevail today on both sides of the phone.
Maranatha!
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1 Comment
Top 3 devotionals of this challenge. Really good. I'm not teacher or a pastor but I still share the word and am quick to reply to someone who is asking for advice or prayers. I was also quick to reply to insults and such and it's been calmed by a voice every time, I've deleted 100 replies this year and heard, no, let it go, etc. Powerful stuff. I've even mended bridges burnt by my tongue from previous posts, replies or in person. Good stuff. I like how this one holds the ones who teach at a higher standard because if we are learning from you and see you "act like fools" it would hinder our hearts and definitely our understanding. For sure.