Words on Fire

A year ago last week, a wildfire swept across San Bernadino county. Nearly 23,000 acres were burned along with 20 buildings, 13 people were injured, and the blaze claimed the life of a firefighter.

Wildfires have become a way of life, particularly in the American West.

It is tragic that this fire was completely preventable. It was set accidentally by a couple who were celebrating the impending birth of their child with a gender reveal party.

It seems that their chosen method of revealing the gender of their unborn child was to use a colored smoke bomb. A spark from the ignition of the smoke bomb quickly became a blaze that couldn’t be controlled and which burned for 23 days.

The couple have been charged with felony manslaughter, 3 felony counts of recklessly causing a fire, 4 felony counts of burning inhabited structures and 22 misdemeanor counts of burning other’s property.

It’s awful that a celebration of new life such have such terrible consequences.

An event of this magnitude aptly illustrates the devastation that happens every day in countless interactions between people.

The results aren’t burned homes (usually).

The destruction comes from words - spoken, typed, “memed” etc. that damage relationships, incite reactions, cause mayhem in families, schools, business, friendships.

James uses the visceral reaction we have to large-scale wildfires perfectly to describe why Christians must be so careful in how we communicate.

As we’ve discovered, the book of James is full of practical Christianity.

He’s dealt with prejudice, apathetic faith, living wisely in a world of temptation, as well as already addressing how we communicate our faith (or lack of).

Last week we concluded with how our “stated faith - loyalty” to Christ needs to be not only spoken but acted upon.

This week, the words we use in declaring our faith are seen to be of vital importance.

It all boils down to a mature tongue.

Leading with Your Words

James 3:1–2 NLT

1 Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.

James begins by giving a warning to those who would teach others, especially in the church.

But immediately, he broadens the scope of the warning to everyone. We all make mistakes in communication.

The goal, is maturity.

James’ inspired point is that gaining control of our words affects every other part of life.

1 Peter 3:10 NLT

10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.

Such a Small Thing

Can make a positive difference

James 3:3–4 NLT

3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong.

Recognize that it only takes a few words to make a huge difference.

Proverbs 16:24 NLT

24 Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

Such a Great Consequence

James 3:5–6 NLT

5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

The huge difference can be negative, too.

Too often, the barbs of our tongues dig blood from the souls of others.

Proverbs 12:18–19 NLT

18 Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. 19 Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.

Sometimes we substitute styles of communication like sarcasm to try to cover up our evil thoughts.

“Sarcasm” comes from the Gk. sarx, the word for flesh. A roman charioteer carried a sharp whip which would cut into the flesh of his horse. That’s root of our word, sarcasm. Words that lacerate and hurt.

It just takes a few words to set our friendships, our families, on fire.

Setting the Right Source

James 3:7–12 NLT

7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. 10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? 12 Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.

Here’s some semi-good news with a warning built in. Our words have the potential of duality.

James asks the rhetorical question: Can both states of being exist together? Answer: NO!

Salt and fresh water cannot come from the same source.

Recognize that we practice hypocrisy with our words at times.

James is asking us to monitor what gushes out of our mouths.

Is it salty or sweet?

We know that our communications have matured when our words are a blessing.

Proverbs 15:4 NLT

4 Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.