James 3
“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.”
Today’s chapter starts out with this statement, and it’s true, I am a sinner, I mess up. I should probably not be doing this. I don’t have it all together. In my posts I quote the Bible so there will always at least the words of the Bible, it is truth you can trust in. Listen to what the bible is saying, that’s the part that isn’t flawed. The rest is me telling you how I am applying the words of the Bible to my life.
“All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
The tongue, the fingers, in my case, the heart and brain behind what I communicate. Not many People hear me speak but there are a few who “hear”my thoughts by reading my words here. My buddy Steve Selig gets to hear my unfiltered rants. We ride together to and from work. Work can be frustrating and difficult. I have said things, things that hurt, things that defame, things that are destructive. I am fortunate to have a good Christian friend who can listen to me without judgement but who can correct or redirect me back to the life of a Christian, the life of forgiveness and mercy, for others and for myself. We can’t unsay something like we can’t Un-ring a bell. We can’t un-splash a pond. So it is with our words. There is forgiveness in Jesus and there is value in guarding what we say, carefully considering the words. There is no back button in speech.
“13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
Using Gods wisdom can result in people turning to Jesus to have their sin forgiven, a harvest of righteousness. I am one of those flawed yet forgiven people. Will you accept Jesus gift of forgiveness today? Today is the only day we get. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow never arrives. We have today. What will we do with it?
(Originally posted 11/20/19)
Peter’s Posts 
Should you be doing this? Yes. Most emphatically yes. It does not say “nobody should be teachers”. It says “not many”. You are one of the few who faithfully and carefully provides access to God’s Word and then give your personal perspective and application. You remain true to the a Gospel and the Bible. Yes. You should be one of the teachers. You are one of the teachers. Yes.
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Thank you, you are my favorite encourager
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