Scripture:
James 3:1-5 NKJV
[1] My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. [2] For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in words, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. [3] Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths so that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. [4] 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!
Observation:
James is the half-brother of Jesus’ land and didn’t come to the faith until later from what I understand. But his book, although it’s short, is a power-packed set of principles that will help you walk a straight line to the best of your ability. Starting in chapter 1, telling us not to let our emotions get the best of us, remaining sober-minded moving on to chapter 2 explains that we should not show favoritism and treat everyone the same. Then, moving on in chapter 3 to show us how important it is to teach the bible and nothing else. He starts off with a warning. Telling us that teachers need to be careful. The accountability they will receive is greater than that of the average person, and this position should not be taken lightly. In verse 2, he seems to switch gears somewhat to talk about stumbling in the way you speak. Saying that if you can maintain control of your tongue, you are not just better than most but perfect in every way. The illustration of a horse and the bit that’s placed in its mouth to control it gives us a great picture of what is said as a teacher is very important because it can guide the direction a student goes. I believe it’s by no mistake that these statements come after the verses in Chapter 1 that tell us to be slow to speak, quick to listen and slow to become angry. Ultimately, a teacher needs to be in control of their emotions. Not allowing them to speak, but the bible to be not only spoken but seen in the actions as well. Verse 4 has a similar PowerPoint. Being careful to speak the truth is important… the words spoken by someone who considers themselves to be a teacher can directly affect the lives of those whom they are speaking to. Boasting or speaking without thinking is dangerous, and James gives us a warning about it.
Application:
With just a few words, the course of a life can be changed. I think about this often. I guess first and foremost, I need to start this application process with an explanation… I did not seek the position I am in. I believe GOD placed me there, and I’m just going to be completely honest and say it scares me half to death at times. The accountability that comes from it is very important. It should make us think about every word we speak, especially if we are in a position where others consider us to be teachers. The influence held inside of that position is by no means to be taken lightly. In fact, the first verse chosen this morning kept me running from a calling for a long time. It’s also the very same verses that put me knee-deep in my bible when I finally submitted to the call that GOD had placed on me. The Bible tells us to guard our hearts because out of them flows the wellsprings of life. The words we speak direct not only the course of our lives but also the lives of those we influence over. Our hearts need to be in line with GOD’S will for us. Listen, I don’t know why I have been placed where I am… but I do know this every morning. The very first thing I do is hit my knees and ask GOD to write a SOAP that will be life-changing and profound and mold and shape the lives of those who take the time to read it. I put it in HIS hands. I know that I can’t teach, and honestly, no one teaches HIS word better than HIM. I am a vessel made of clay. HE has placed in me the treasure of HIS glorious SON and filled me with his Holy Spirit. I never want to mislead or teach something that is wrong. Because I will be held accountable for that. I pray that every word ever put forth through these SOAPS is anointed by the Holy Spirit and approved by GOD HIMSELF. I do not want to be the one speaking. My opinion does not matter. What GOD says does so may everything said here be straight from HIS word and nothing else. Let it be spoken in such a manner that it can be clearly seen it’s not me but the Holy Spirit who is the teacher.
Prayer:
Father, all the glory is yours. I never want to get in the way of you and what you want to be taught. Your word is what matters. I only want to be a willing vessel. None of this has anything to do with me other than the fact that you chose me to do it. All I did was say yes after years of running. You wore me down, and I finally submitted. Help me to speak only what you say. Remove me from the equation and allow your Holy Spirit to have full authority over every SOAP written and your truth to be received by all who read it. Let those hearts be open and receptive. Father, I submit my life to the calling you have placed on me. Use me, teach me, and speak through me. Remove my opinion and replace it with your truth. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.