How do you respond to negative stimulus? Do you let your situation change who you are channeling? James calls the tongue the rudder of the ship in James 3:4-5. How is your tongue steering you?
Moment of honesty, I suffer from “spewage of harsh words” when I feel like I am under attack, stressed, not in control or need to exert righteous anger. Today, I am going to attempt to be more Christ-like, I have to let the Holy Spirit guide me and identify the root cause and my reaction.
My husband underwent a minor surgery recently and I noticed that the anesthetic turned him into a kind, adorable 5 year old. He is a kind and adorable fellow to begin with, so his deviation from his true nature was minimal in this case.
Me on the other hand, have been called an angel in cool and composed situations. I know the truth of what I can say, when I am put in situations that negatively stimulate me. The root cause is that I have not internalized James’ advice.
“Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.
See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.”
James 3:4-10
Now, with this hopefully, words will be picked to channel Jesus. But, what about the situations? In life, I am going to be put in many negative and wrong situations. How should I react? If we remember that God is always in control and that He is just, we will not need to address any negative situations head on. I can pause, pray and then react with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Remember,
“Vengeance is Mine, and recompense;
Deuteronomy 32:35
Their foot shall slip in due time;
For the day of their calamity is at hand,
And the things to come hasten upon them.’”
And
“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.”
Romans 12:19
So, there it is. Trust the Lord and channel Jesus.
Dear Jesus,
Teach me to talk like you. Let me be kind when I use words. May I channel you and Your goodness in every word that leaves my lips. God, Forgive me for not trusting in You in all seasons. Help me trust you now and forever. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen!