Beware of Backdrafts

Glimmers
October 1, 2010

James was a wise man. I suspect he gained wisdom the usual way, from experience. No doubt somewhere, someone he trusted gossiped behind his back, defamed his character and sent his relationship up in flames.

We control a big horse with a small bit, and a big ship with a small rudder, so we should not be surprised that a small thing like our tongue can cause big problems. Listen to how James describes it.
a small thing that makes grand speeches
a flame of fire
a whole world of wickedness
set on fire by hell itself (James 3: 3-6)

The words that roll off our tongue in thoughtless moments can cause a great deal of destruction, like an out of control fire. Chuck Swindoll, a noted pastor and author, offers some good advice about controlling our tongue and the words that so casually roll off of it sometimes. He says our words need to go through four gates before they are uttered.

Gate 1 : Is it confidential? (If so, never mention it.)
Gate 2 : Is it true? (This may take some investigation.)
Gate 3 : Is it necessary? (So many words are useless.)
Gate 4 : Is it kind? (Does it serve a wholesome purpose?)
(Swindoll, Living Beyond The Daily Grind, p. 50)

This is America, of course, and you have freedom of speech guaranteed by the Constitution. But even that has limitations, the most famous being yelling “Fire!” in a crowded theater. In short, you are free to say almost anything you wish at anytime. Say… have you ever seen the movie “Backdraft?”

Blessings to you all,

Jerald