Word Power
Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! James 3:3-5“Four Years of Struggle against Lies, Stupidity, and Cowardice”You probably do not recognize the title of this book, likely because the publisher reduced the name to simply,
‘My Struggle’. If it is still not ringing any bells perhaps you are more familiar with it’s German title,
‘Mien Kampf.’ I only mention it here for illustrative purposes. This autobiographical essay from Adolph Hitler, the intention of which was to put him and the Aryan culture in a positive light while simultaneously presenting a manifesto by which ‘others’ should be eliminated, resulted in well over six million people being slaughtered. If expressed in a
‘death-to-word ratio’ the result would be one hundred and twenty-five people dead per word.
Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. James 3:10The Power of the WordEverything we say or do ultimately works towards accomplishing one of two things: it either serves to build up the Kingdom of God, or serves to tear it down. The question that remains is how to know the difference (as misguided as he truly was, I suspect Hitler
‘thought’ he was doing the right thing). So there is no doubt, James, the apostle and half brother of Jesus, provides a clear outline.
(Evil) wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:15-18A godly word will
not be aligned with worldly logic, governed by emotions, rooted in pride, and confusing to the hearer (have you ever read Mien Kampf?). A godly word will however be wholesome, peace-loving, and tender. It gives way to compassion; it bears fruit, and it is free of prejudice and pretense. And finally, the godly word is often the word not spoken.
Where there is no wood, the fire goes out …Proverbs 26:20Consider the Power of One WordSay,
“Yes, ” to this request to
sponsor a child living in poverty and you are yielding to the power of God to work through you; not only to save a child’s life and to rescue him or her from a life of poverty, but to introduce that child to a loving and saving relationship with Jesus Christ. One word can serve to build up His Kingdom—that word is ‘yes’.
Compassion Dave’s ‘Blog of the Day’: “Wait a Minute Mr. Postman” By Hope Mary Nagley And for consistent Compassion-related issues, please visit the
Compassion International Blog daily
