Faith Controls the tongue

. Tonight i would like to continue on the theme that we have had going for the last couple of weeks, and that is about the power of Words, and why the words that we speak matter.

. We will be taking a look at a few verses in the book of James, now James is very upfront when talking about the importance of our words.

James 1:26 NKJV

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.

. You see the issue of the tongue has been around since the beginning of human history and there has never been any method developed anywhere or by anyone that has enabled people to gain control of their tongue.

. I think we all know what its like when we get frustrated and say something, and then there are moments when we speak and say something and we don't even realize what is coming out of our mouths until it is to late.

( that day at work when i said those terrible words )

James 3:2 NKJV

For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

. unfortunately the truth is none of us are perfect despite what we may like to believe at times and the tongue and the words that we speak are one of these areas that we all stumble in at times.

. and some of you may be wondering why we are putting so much emphases on words through our messages!

. it is because “the words that you speak will determine the effectiveness of your faith”

. the words that you speak will determine the strength of your relationship with God.

. and the words that you speak will determine the effectiveness of of witness as a believer to all those around you!

. but like i said early no person has ever been able to develop a fool proof way to control the tongue and we all slip up and fall short.

. I mean James even makes it clear that no man can possible tame his tongue!

James 3:5–8 NKJV

Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

. You might be saying then well how is it ever going to be possible? scripture says that no man can control or tame the tongue, so what hope do i have??

. In my bible at the beginning of each book there is a short introductory paragraph giving some brief insight into the contents of the book, and as i was reading the one concerning James 4 words caught my eye!

. Faith Controls the tongue.....

. The only way to truly gain control over our tongue so that the things that we about ourselves, over ourselves and all the people around us is to let our faith control our tongue!

. What we believe to be true about God and his intentions for us will be reflected in the things that we speak. if we don not truly believe that God loves us is for us and wants the best for us, that will be reflected in the things we say.

. The only way that this will become a reality for you, is if you are in the word of God and in prayer with the Father. it is in his Word and in his presence that we first hear what he has to say and than are able to believe it.

. and this in turn will cause our faith to raise to the point that we are able to control our tongue, and not get caught up on negativity and not get caught up bad mouthing ourselves or others.

. This is what will enable to live out a life of faith, by allowing our faith in who God is and everything that his word teaches us.

. The only way to learn to control our tongue is to allow our faith to speak.

. The truth is this is something we all need to check ourselves on frequently!

. i would like each of us to ask ourselves tonight, has my faith been controlling my tongue? or have my circumstances and my fears and anxiety been controlling my tongue?

. lets pray together and believe that through faith we can and will can control over the words that we speak!