Having a Spirit-controlled tongue (2)

The Bible says, “A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And…the tongue is a flame of fire” (vv. 5-6 NLT). People living in hot climates know the danger of ravaging bushfires driven by desert winds and can readily identify with these words: “See how great a forest a little fire kindles!” (v. 5 NKJV). A single spark from a match has started many massive fires. Spreading faster and farther than we might ever imagine, that kind of fire destroys homes and businesses worth millions of dollars, leaving a scorched landscape and devastated lives. Similarly, how many reputations have been ruined by a careless word? The impact of our words spreads far and fast, especially in our digital age. A word tweeted anywhere can be retweeted all over the world in seconds. Like a fire, that word can get out of control and do irreparable damage. Hence James wrote, “No man can tame the tongue” (v. 8 NKJV). But God can. “The fruit of the Spirit is…self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV). The Holy Spirit can take a tongue that peddles gossip and turn it into one that brings glory to God. He can take a tongue that spews bitterness and turn it into one that speaks blessing. Gossip is saying something behind someone’s back that you would never say to that person’s face. Flattery is saying something to someone’s face that you would never say behind the person’s back. And both are wrong. So let’s join the Psalmist in praying, “May these words of my mouth…be pleasing in your sight, Lord” (Psalm 19:14 NIV).