Daily Devotional for Monday, March 11

Importance of the Tongue

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body,” James 3:1, 2.

An English literature professor, during a lecture, accidentally substituted a famous actor’s name for the name of the author the class was studying. He repeatedly used the wrong name. The actor and the author shared a unique first name, but they had different last names. Each time the oblivious professor referred to the actor’s writing, the class hid grins and eye rolls. One student began to count the number of name substitutions, and bets were made on how many more times the professor would make the same mistake. The students learned little from the lecture because they were so distracted. After class, one sympathetic student let the professor know his ongoing mistake, much to the teacher’s chagrin.

Teachers and preachers who stand before crowds are naturally more scrutinized because their task hangs on words and the presentation of them. Misusing a person’s name is far more innocent than conveying false doctrine, deception and heresy. Teaching about faithful and wise stewards, Jesus said, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48). It is an awesome responsibility to stand and proclaim God’s Word.

This is why James warned against many teachers (masters). Teachers face greater scrutiny and condemnation than others because much has been given to them. Jesus told people to beware of the scribes for “these shall receive greater damnation” (Mark 12:40) due to their hypocrisy.

In James 3:2, James reminds us that we all stumble or offend. Only someone perfect who is able to fully control his whole body will never offend another with his words. Because this is impossible, grace must abound.

THOUGHT
May we pray as David: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord” (Psalm 19:14).

Kelli Reynolds