May 15
________________________________________
JAMES 3
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. – James 3:1-5
________________________________________
JAMES 3 WE ALL STUMBLE IN WHAT WE SAY
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
My brothers and sisters, let us remember that our nature is sinful
For if we forget this truth, we will easily be tempted and stumble
No one can claim that he or she is a perfect person who doesn’t fail
We are under the curse of sin and in many ways, we can easily fall.
Do not be envious of those who teach, for they are judged by others harder
Since they have received such gifts to teach, more is expected from them
Standards are raised for teachers as they must sample what they teach
A life of integrity is expected from those who guide others towards the truth.
No one is exempt in stumbling especially when the tongue pronounces
It is a small member of our body, but boasts of things it accomplishes
The tongue declares encouragement but also can bring forth death
With it, we can build up a person and with it we can also destroy them.
Let us ask the Spirit of the Lord to constantly guide us as we serve God
Let’s surrender our tongues to the true God who alone leads to the right path
Let the tongue boast only of the magnificence of the Lord to all people
May our mouth be guarded and speak only what is true and lovely.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do you think James likens the tongue to a rudder and to the mouths of horses in verses 3 and 4?
• How is it possible for us humans to tame our tongues if it’s inevitable that we stumble in what we say as verse 2 says?