Dangerous Words
We have all seen the images of the massive barge that struck the Key Bridge in Baltimore, MD and heard about the resulting destruction and loss of life. In the aftermath, experts have said that the cause of this devastation was that the barge lost power which resulted in its rudder being useless; it was literally out of control. James reminds us in James 3:1-11 that our tongues can also get out of control, and the result is that they too can cause massive damage.
I had a good friend tell me one time that words are like toothpaste squeezed out of a tube; they are easy to get out, but hard to get back in! Today, by the way, we casually cast words. I am afraid that we might have forgotten how important it is to be wise about how we use words.
We know the old adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me,” is far from true. I am guessing that you – like me – can remember harsh words that were spoken to you decades ago like they were spoken yesterday. Words matter. God’s Word reminds us that the tongue, while relatively small, can have a massive impact. A few weeks ago, when we celebrated Easter together, I was especially moved by the pain that words caused Jesus as He suffered on the cross. Jesus experienced in stereo the type of false accusations, insults, and mockery that cut as deep as any knife.
We really cannot hide behind the idea that they are only words. Jesus warned us that, “...out of the overflow of our heart, our mouth speaks.” (Matt 12:34 BSB) Our words and the way we speak and write represent what is going on deep inside of us. This truth is why we need to be very careful about the words we say and how we say them. Whether it is one-on-one, around the dining table, or online, the words we use can have a huge impact on our families, our faith, and the world around us.
Today, social media has given an unprecedented audience to our words. We can casually share, like, comment, and sling harsh statements. We click and forget that those words can be like what James describes as something that can ignite a forest fire. Our words get noticed by many, and that notice can cause harm to those who we are supposed to be lifting up. Letting off a little steam, a little bitterness, a little bit of vitriol, a little accusation, or a little attack, may have a real, tangible impact on our ability to care for and impact the community around us.
Words are not easily forgotten, especially by those that they tear down. These implications reach beyond our individual reputations, to our reputation as a church, and ultimately to the reputation of Christ. I want to do everything I can to make my words exalt Christ and enhance His reputation. I join David in his wonderful words in Psalm 141:3, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”
Expectantly,
Shawn
