James 3 Mouth & MentalitySatan is after our Mouths & Mentality. James goes from teaching about a faith changed life which must yield active, good works (chapter 3); into the catalyst for these necessary Christian actions. As is often the case, the stimulus of impact for change can often be pinpointed to a small change agent (forest fire by one match, cargo ship turned by small rudder). James thus points to the tongue (mouth) as a small item which generates major impact, positive or negative. He then moves to a view on mindset via wisdom. Throughout, James screams of Spiritual Battle in knowing that Satan is looking for a foothold (Ephesians 4:27).
Hold/Hose Your Tongue (3-12) - Loose lips sink ships! While our mouths seem small, when opened they are big and they can spew the most deadly venom. We all are born as fire breathing dragons! James says in v.6 that unbridled the tongue is evil; corrupting the whole person, setting a devilish course (like indigestion spewed 24/7). It proves hypocritical schizophrenia praising one second and cursing the next (v.10). Gossip - Romans 1:28-32, Proverbs 20:19 Lies - Colossians 3:9-10, Ephesians 4:21-25, Psalm 120:2 Unwholesome (cursing, slander, negativity, complaining) - Colossians 3:8, Ephesians 4:29, 5:3-7
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Wisdom to be wise not dumb (13-18) - James defines this as a battle between selfish & selfless. The former casting an evil mindset consumed with envy & ambition for personal gain at the cost of others (Win-Lose). The latter resting on good deeds of humility moving to positively impact mankind. Selfish drive is a pressure cooker waiting to explode; while selfless desire provides contentment and peace in life's journey. Pure - Desire to improve lives showing the love of Jesus; clean hands & clear conscience. (Philippians 4:8-9) Peace-Loving - Difference in loving peace & being a pushover, peace at all cost person! This generally focuses on a personal internal peace. A state of proactive calmness. A strategy of constructive reconciliation, not destructive demolition. Romans 12:18 Considerate Submissiveness - Gentle tenderness in thinking of others as more important than self. To be open to reason and willing to listen, hear and change within bounds. Proverbs 12:15 Merciful Fruitfulness - Looking beyond justice & retribution, into graceful mercy. To spread the fullness of sweet fruit and reap the harvest of its duplication. Luke 6:36 Impartial Sincerity - Honest, real, genuine love for ALL; regardless. Ephesians 4: 21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 5: 3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them. Romans 1: 28Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 12: 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Proverbs 20: 19A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much. Proverbs 12: 15The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. Colossians 3: 8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Psalm 120: 2Save me, O LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. Phillippians 4: 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Luke 6: 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. |
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