TRIALS INTO SUCCESS AND TEMPTATION INTO VICTORY. If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. ( James 1:26 ) James instructs us on how to avoid turning trials into temptations with his wisdom regarding speech and obedience. If we allow our anger to control us, we will not truly listen to people, and we will sin in our anger. As Proverbs 15:1also tells us, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” As James put it this way saying, tongue is a small part of our body but it makes great boasts. Tongue proves to be fire if not controlled. He also stresses saying tongue is evil part of our body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire. Therefore it is very important to control our tongue. But by controlling, many have turned their lives into victory battle. Let us take the example of Joseph and David in the Bible. Through Josephs trials, God was preparing him for the mission that was to bring him personal victory (Genesis 37-50). David accepted his trials and said, It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes (Psalm 119:71). The prophet Jonah was a bitter man when God asked him to preach to the people of Nineveh (Jonah 1:1-3). His disobedience brought punishment upon himself and others around him. When we have trials facing us it is always wise to control our tongue and keep our ears and heart open. Even in our day to day life, it is a test for our spiritual life. Specially those who are preaching the word. James further says, if they don t control their tongue, their preaching will not yield desired fruit but they will be deceiving themselves. Instead of success they may yield frustration.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Nov 2014 15:02:09 +0000