The tongue is so important yet can be dangerously dangerous. The tongue is not just essential for chewing and swallowing food but also vital for speech.
Imagine one experiencing a sore-tongue or without a tongue; how do you think the person will be able to engage in a conversation? It sure would be so painful, difficult, and frustrating for that person because the tongue is one of the most important oral mechanisms needed for clear speech.
I have experienced a sore-tongue a few times, and it wasn’t a beautiful experience as I never enjoyed chewing, swallowing, and talking. During such times, I avoided unnecessary conversation. You would have also experienced a sore-tongue and avoided unnecessary conversations during such times.
This approach of avoidance of unnecessary conversation can be applied in our daily lives.
To attain perfection is possible otherwise, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ would have never commanded/instructed us to be perfect. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48 (KJV)
And one of the ways to attain perfection is by taking control of our words and ensuring it is free from offence. For in many things, we offend all. If any man offends not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. James 3:2 (KJV)
This offence is not only towards our fellow man but, more importantly, towards God. Sinning against God is not only what we know as the most obvious sins like immorality, lying, cheating, wickedness, etc., but we offend God with our words when we become teachers of erroneous doctrines that are contrary to Christ’s teachings. My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. James 3:1 (KJV)
Today, we have so many teachers everywhere that we don’t need to travel far because the internet has brought them close to us. Many people have taken the role of teachers without knowing or considering the consequence of damnation when error is delivered to others due to their influence over them.
Teaching is a ministry, and not everyone is called into this office. To avoid this greater condemnation that James talked about, one must avoid offending in words due to erroneous teachings.
Our spiritual growth and maturity are measured by our ability to bridle our tongue and only say what is free from sin and offence.
Spiritual growth is achievable, and perfection is attainable when we avoid engaging in erroneous teachings and offending words.
