Words and Consequences

​Scripture Reading: James 3:1-2 (NKJV)
My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

Recently, I have run into quite a large number of God’s sheep who have been on a long sojourn looking for a “new” church. When I build up enough relationship to ask them the difficult question of what motivated them to look for a new place to worship God, I generally hear stories of how they were somehow disenfranchised and disillusioned by their previous church experience. Very often the finger is pointed at a pastor. “Yikes!!” As a pastor myself, the first thought in my head is I wonder how many people have been driven away through the years, because of my poor behavior or lack of wisdom. You must understand, I have been the pastor where people left looking for greener pastures. What role did I play in their decision?

James tells us that being a teacher or a spiritual leader in the Church is not a position to be taken lightly! As a teacher/pastor I should expect a stricter judgment…from God. Double “Yikes!!!” I need to ask myself some serious questions: “Am I really called by God to be a spiritual leader?” “What is my responsibility to the people God places under my care?” “Should I have pursued another career?”

Very often the offense that blows someone out the back door deals with things spoken. My mouth has the potential to be a real source of offense and emotional pain. Sometimes I’m just being defensive and reacting to a criticism or unkind word—however, flinging back unkind words is simply fighting fire with fire. If the goal is to burn down the work of God this is a brilliant strategy; however, if building the Kingdom of God is of great worth, it is time to tame the tongue!

As I honestly look into the mirror, I can honestly tell you that this pastor is flawed. Knowing that I shall receive a stricter judgment I pray that I will respond to God’s flock with a much larger dose of mercy and a double load of grace. After-all, all things being equal, God has not given me what I deserve…Bless His Holy Name!

Questions to Consider:

1. On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best), how much control do you have over the things you say?  (Is gossip a problem?)
2. Do you look for the "good" in other people or is your default position one of instant judgment?
3. Have you prayed for God to help you with controlling the words that you speak?

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