we know this. don't we? we know our tongues, our mouths, the words that come from our mouth...that come from our heart and mind are ridiculously powerful. we've all seen after-school specials, sitcoms, and shows like Glee that take a moment and get serious so they can teach us about bullying, and the power words can have to break people's spirits. in seminary i learned a bit about Wittgenstein and his 'language games'. the things that come out of peoples' mouths can illuminate who they really are, especially in moments of crisis. the words we say are packed with power. they can build up, encourage, strengthen, affirm, restore...they can destroy, break down, crack, hurt, harm...
in reading the first part of this section of James...verses 1-5...i'm struck with not how words can harm, hurt or encourage those outside of us, but how those words, how those things we say can harm, hurt, or encourage ourselves. things that we say, either out loud, or in the confines of our own minds can shape the way we think, the way we act, the way we relate to others, the way we relate to Christ. i'm not a big 'just think positive' person...not all that sure the 'name it and claim it' message has any standing in the scriptures...but i wonder how much our thoughts and words really can affect ourselves. the words we speak out loud, or in our thoughts, can really affect our actions. if the things we say to ourselves, or about ourselves convince ourselves we aren't lovable or good enough...we'll begin to with hold our true selves from others and thus prevent ourselves from ever experiencing true community. if the words we speak or think create a sense that we are destined to failure...the idea of stepping out on faith becomes far too risky and prevent ourselves from ever experiencing a deep relationship with Christ. if the words we speak or think tell us we are the problem in all our relationships...well, we won't have any to screw up, cause we won't enter into any.
most who know me, know i spend most moments that i am alone with an overactive, over analytical mind. while it does have its positive side, it seems as if the negative side of all that prevails more often than not. i'm going to make a concerted effort over the next few days to ensure that the 'positive' side spends more time 'naming and claiming' only the promises found in scripture...
James is a beast at reminding us that God should be at work within those who follow Jesus, transforming us more and more into his likeness, into true disciples of Jesus. so, this is my prayer, that the Lord would transform my tongue, completely...not just the words spoken out loud but words spoken within...
...so also, the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things...(ja3.5)
...may the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You oh Lord (ps19.14)
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