Whatever we do—whether in word or deed—let it all be for the glory of God. Be careful in how you use your words, whether in spoken word or written word—on social media or in conversations over coffee—the power of words to deceive people’s minds and destroy relationships is clearly laid out for us in the Scriptures. Just a cursory evaluation of the word “tongue” or “lying tongue” in the concordance of the Bible will reveal much about the destructive nature of the tongue.
Just like a forest is set on fire by a small spark—so can a church be divided by a simple conversation. Be wise in how you speak and in how you receive words online, privately, through books, blogs and sermons.
James 3.5–6″ data-version=”esv” data-purpose=”bible-reference”>James 3:5–6 — So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! [6] And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. (ESV)
- John MacArthur, The Book on Leadership, (Hampton, VA: Nelson Books, 2004), 128.
This article originally appeared here.
