Careless Talk Costs

If you are a teacher, it’s your job to speak, but it is also an occupational hazard. Whether parent or instructor or preacher, your position makes you hugely influential in the lives of your learners. Some in James’s audience may have been tempted to overcome social discrimination by becoming teachers. After all, a Jewish rabbi was highly respected, not only in protecting and interpreting tradition, but also as a model for others to emulate. Such a responsibility, for teachers and indeed all Christians, comes with a plea from James for care, consistency and self-control. What a kaleidoscope of images James employs to make his points! Close your eyes and let your imagination show you their force.

Look at that tiny mouth bit controlling the movements of a frisky horse. Feel the wind strong enough to move a great ship and then notice the tiny rudder used to direct its course. Focus on that thin match which sets a massive forest ablaze to devastating effect. Words impact people, their direction and survival, for good or for ill, far beyond our imagining.

Visit the zoo or the circus where animals and fish dance and jump at their trainers’ bidding. How can we tame dolphins and yet cannot control this little poisonous part of our own body? Our single-minded devotion to God and his will is compromised every time criticism or lies, arrogance or hypocrisy betray a lack of spiritual discipline and care. Imagine the contradiction. Go to the salty Dead Sea and taste fresh water to your heart’s content. Stretch up to the vine and hesitate on finding figs growing there. But take heart: we all stumble (2), and it is through undergoing costly personal repentance that we become qualified to teach humility and faithfulness.

Recall people who have taught you to walk with Jesus. What have they done? How can you be a faithful mentor to others?