By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1)
This sobering warning from the book of James is like a punch in the gut every time I read it.
God’s Word is truth. I’ve devoted the majority of my life to studying its precepts, adopting its principals, and passing along to others what I’ve learned. I’m pretty sure that quantifies me as a teacher, and yet I fall short from God’s standard every day.
Whenever I share devotions, such as these, I am pulling from my own life experience. Before a lesson is conveyed to you, it is first imparted to me.
As I write today’s post, the sword of truth pierces my side with increasing conviction. Once again, I’ve allowed out of control emotions to steer the words of my own mouth.
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” (James 3:5-6)
How many times must I stumble over this critical life lesson? Like mom used to say, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all!”
My flesh-nature gets me into trouble every time, and the enemy is all too willing to stoke the flames of my unchecked emotions.
Allowing feelings to direct our actions is like charting a course through stormy seas with half a rudder. Sooner or later the ship is going down.
“They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.” (Psalm 64:3)
I hate hurting the ones that I love, so why do I do it?
“So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.” (Romans 7:21-23)
The morning after a recent outburst of unrestrained words that had been directed at my husband, God brought me to the following Scripture.
“Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?” (James 3:10-11)
Do you know what happens when fresh water and salt water collide? The water becomes brackish and murky; it’s no longer clear.
I want my witness to be unstained and pure. I want the overflow of my heart to speak good, not evil, but I am not perfect. I struggle with sin like everyone else.
The Scripture concerning teachers being judged more strictly simply means that because we have influence, we better use it wisely. Others are watching. How I respond to the sin in my life can be a teachable moment.
With conviction burning in my heart, I wrote a letter to my husband, apologized, and asked for his forgiveness. Thankfully, he extended me mercy (yet again) and said I was forgiven.
As God teaches me, He teaches you. As I teach you, God teaches me.
So what lesson did I learn this time?
By counting the cost of my words before I speak, I can save myself and others from a whole lot of heartache down the road.
Lord Jesus, I’m trying hard to be the woman you want me to be, but I still fall short. I’m sorry for being weak in my flesh and not allowing the fullness of your Holy Spirit to direct my thoughts, words, and actions all the time. I need your help, Lord. Please forgive me when I fall short, and help me convey sincere, heartfelt sorrow to those I’ve hurt and love. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, oh LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Amen.
