TRIBES: 5 Weeks | 5 Challenges: Week 3
Our words can bless, gripe, complain, and communicate the gospel—all within a matter of minutes! Tongues can inspire the hardest heart or crush a tender spirit. Proverbs 21:23 warns us to “guard the tongue” in order to stay out of trouble.
But how?
James 1:26 –If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.
James warns us that we cannot share our faith if we’re not actively working to “bridle our tongues.” Just as a horse needs a bridle to direct his course, we need to put “bridles” or disciplines {there’s that word again! oy…} in place that will help in taming our tongues.
While James states that no one (in their own power) can “tame the tongue,” thankfully, God provides all you need to discipline this unruly critter.
2 Peter 1:3-8 – His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As you begin this difficult challenge, here are some practical tips to continue the journey of taming that unruly tongue:
• Ask the Holy Spirit to show you when your words do not glorify Christ. And when He does, ask for grace to speak life-giving words (Ephesians 4:29).
• Ask for input from family members and friends. This can be so hard, maybe even humiliating, but it allows those who know us best to uncover “blind spots.” Please be prepared with a receptive heart! (Proverbs 27:5-6)
• Ask a friend to hold you accountable. Again, so hard, but a true friend will pray together with you for victory and grace.
• Practice the principle of crying out for HELP! When tempted to tear down rather than build up: Stop. Close your mouth. Take a deep breath and cry out for God’s grace to overcome the temptation!
• Use fewer words. Practice the spiritual discipline of “quiet.”
We’re halfway through our 5 Week Challenge. I hope you’re feeling challenged (in a good way!). Leave a comment and let us know!