WORDS MATTER

James 1:19-20

James 3:1-12

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Whether we admit it or not what comes out of our mouths reflects what is in our heart. In the words of Jesus, “what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person,” (Matthew 15:18-20a italics added).

James is describing the kind of conversation that delineates the nature of my spirit. That understanding makes it even more difficult to hear. If the words, I speak declare the intent of my heart then I need to judge my words with an affinity to the Spirit of God. Quite simply, “Are these words that Jesus would use if Jesus were speaking to this situation?” The question dramatically changes the conversation. This is a much deeper, spiritual, concern than the expletive I utter when I fall or cut my finger. We are discussing the filthy joke, the racial or sexual put down, or vicious insult, exclaimed in a moment of anger.

Words matter. The constant verbal barrage of words like stupid, dumb, or fat. Comments such as “you’ll never amount to anything” are the kind of comments that profoundly affect the psyche of a child. Children constantly subjected to ridicule and insult internalize the criticism until they come to believe that they are worthless and unimportant.

Words matter. James addresses teachers as being held to a higher standard of accountability. This is critically important in the Christian community. We look to our pastors and teachers to discern God’s word, listen to the Holy Spirit, and offer instruction that challenges and encourages without tearing down.

James uses the metaphors of a spirited horse being controlled by a bridle and a large ship guided by a rudder to describe the influence of the tongue. It is a small member of the body; but pause and consider the power of speech. What we heard as children shaped our self-identity. What we say as adults defines our interactions with others.

With the gift of speech, we praise God and curse those made in God’s image. Listen to the rhetoric you hear spewing from the mouths of religious and political leaders. It is impossible to love God and hate another person created in God’s image. (1 John 4:20) It is a vicious lie. People are not scum. The fact that someone has less of the world’s goods, is poorly dressed, and speaks with an accent does not make them of less value in God’s eyes.

We create lines of division that were never God’s intention. So, God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27) Our words of hate and prejudice not only demean the person to whom they are directed but are demeaning to the Creator.

Words matter. James is challenging. James believes that Christians should live into the faith they profess. Words matter because they are the reflection of the intent of the heart.