A tamed tongue and spiritual maturity

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.”James 3:2

Iremember going to the doctor as a child. I did not like anything about it — the stringent antiseptic smell of the place, nurses with sharp needles who ran across the room and jabbed me with one of their shots.

But I particularly did not like the oversized popsicle sticks used to gag children while the doctor looked into my mouth Another even more unpleasant kind of “mouth exam” is a personal one, when I have to examine the words I’ve spoken. Have I been kind? Did my tone and

BETHLEHEM EAST BAPTIST CHURCH

MIKE McElroy Columnist

my choice of words express love and compassion for others? Did I dishonor God by things I said in anger?

Were the people I spoke to better or worse off for hearing what I said and how I said it?

It really won’t do to claim provocation or even frankness to excuse our uncontrolled tongues.

Let’s notice three scriptures that challenge us about our speech. We will begin with Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth, but only such

Bethlehem East Baptist Church will have all Sunday school classes beginning at 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning followed by regular service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.

CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29).

Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship.

Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting. Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Whatever we say needs to be tested against the three-point checklist in this verse. 1) Is it wholesome, or is it corrupt?

2) Will it build up or tear down those who hear it? 3) Are these words expressions of grace to bless the hearer, or more like a curse instead?

When anxiety or other heightened emotion makes us speak in unwholesome, destructive ways, we have not applied this test to our words.

Next consider this from James: “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless” (James 1:26). This line is a stinging rebuke and