The Wild Thing
There is a wild animal on the loose. According to reports, this wild thing has destroyed many lives. It rips through homes, companies, churches and entire communities. It has even caused national and international destruction. It creates a disturbance everywhere it goes. There are so many of these creatures, it's impossible not to encounter one. It's attacks are sometimes subtle, but usually without warning. It has a venomous bite that is sometimes barely noticeable on the outside while it's corrosive effect does it's work on the inside.
The wild thing is not a lion, not a tiger, not even a bear, Oh my! It resides inside each and every one of us. It is described as follows: ". . . the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. . . . All kinds of animals . . . are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?" (James 3:5-11) Of course, the wild thing is not specifically the "tongue" but is really the heart or mind of the person as revealed by the "tongue."
So, how do we tame the wild thing? "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." (James 1:19-22) Also, "May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14) Taming the "tongue" begins with accepting Jesus as "LORD" of your life. In Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit are named. The last one is "self-control." It is interesting to note that the way to "self-control" is by giving control to Jesus and allowing His Holy Spirit to produce within us the ability to control the "tongue." Otherwise, the wild thing will continue to be wild.
Alan L. Thomas <><
The wild thing is not a lion, not a tiger, not even a bear, Oh my! It resides inside each and every one of us. It is described as follows: ". . . the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. . . . All kinds of animals . . . are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?" (James 3:5-11) Of course, the wild thing is not specifically the "tongue" but is really the heart or mind of the person as revealed by the "tongue."
So, how do we tame the wild thing? "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." (James 1:19-22) Also, "May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14) Taming the "tongue" begins with accepting Jesus as "LORD" of your life. In Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit are named. The last one is "self-control." It is interesting to note that the way to "self-control" is by giving control to Jesus and allowing His Holy Spirit to produce within us the ability to control the "tongue." Otherwise, the wild thing will continue to be wild.
Alan L. Thomas <><
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