Together in Christ: 'Worthless Religion!' — James 1:26

The Holy Spirit reminds us in the Scriptures that controlling our tongues is difficult. ^[1] Our speech betrays the secret crevices of our hearts that we still struggle to bring under the Lordship of Jesus. ^[2] Those secret and not yet fully yielded places in our hearts make our verse today a chilling one. So, let's deal with one reality of this passage first.

I am addressing the habitual and unrepentant misuser of words - whether written or spoken aloud, done secretly or openly. ^[3] Many of us will stumble occasionally and misuse our words in coarse speech, gossip, abusive language, and sarcastic digs. When we do stumble in one of these ways, we can apologize to that person, others who heard us, ^[4] and ask for their forgiveness. ^[5] However, profanity and using the Lord's name in vain are sins against God. The Scriptures are clear; we must never use God's name in vain or with words of condemnation aimed at someone else. ^[6]

If we struggle with our speech, we must not dismiss this sinful weakness as insignificant. Words can be powerfully destructive when we use them against another person. We must not underestimate hateful speech's violent impact and lasting damage. I don't know about you, but I do not want my worship and love for God to be worthless. I want to use my words to bless, build up, and heal!