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James 1:26 says, “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”

How often do we need to keep a tight rein on our tongues? Probably most of the time. We watch our words, we weigh the meaning of our words, and sometimes we must bite our tongues and put a brake on what might come out of our lips.

Last week, we bought a new harness for our dog Mikey. The old one was loose, and we needed a stronger harness. Eventually we found one that fitted him. Having a strong harness lets us keep him safe and under control. It’s a tight rein.

James tells us to be careful what we say. If we are careful with our words, we are able to keep our whole body in check (James 3:2). But the problem is our tongue is a “restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8). And sadly, when we don’t control our tongues, we get into quarrels, steered by wrong motives, giving in to our selfish pleasures (James 4:1-3).

So, how do we put a tight rein or strong harness on our tongues? Like Mikey who needs someone to put his harness on, so we need help to curb the rashness of our words. James gives godly advice. He tells us to face difficulties knowing these difficulties help us develop perseverance (James 1:3). He tells us to ask God (James 1:5). He challenges us to be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19). He commands us not to show favouritism (James 2:1). He reminds us to speak and act remembering that we will be judged (James 2:12-13). He tells us to be active in our faith, expressing our faith in deeds (James 2:14-26). He reminds us that true wisdom comes from God (James 3:17). He cautions us against assuming we control our lives (James 4:13-16). He warns us against pursuing riches at the expense of justice (James 5:1-6). He tells us to speak plainly, not saying more than is necessary (James 5:12). He commands us to pray (James 5:16). These are very practical ways we train the heart and keep a tight rein on our tongues.

And we do these mindful of a single truth: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17).

Mikey needed a new harness. It protects him and keeps him under control. We pray that the Lord will keep a tight rein on our tongues – as he does, he protects us and keeps us humble before him.

This week, confess when you speak words that hurt, confess the inner attitude of your heart. And then continue the adventure of speaking the truth in love. And the Lord will be with you.

視頻大意翻譯 (video Chinese translation):

 雅各書1:26說 ”若有人自以為虔誠、卻不勒住他的舌頭、反欺哄自己的心、這人的虔誠是虛的。”

我們需要多久控制一次舌頭？可能大多數時候都要。我們注意自己的言語，權衡言語的含義，有時我們必須咬住舌頭，阻止可能從我們嘴裏說出來的話。

上周，我們為Mikey買了一條新的胸背帶。舊的那個鬆了，我們需要一個更堅固的。我們去了幾家寵物店。最後，我們找到了適合牠的。擁有堅固的胸背帶幫我們保證祂的安全和受控制。這是一個緊的韁繩。

雅各告訴我們要小心我們所說的話。在信的後面，他有很多實用的見解和建議。如果我們謹慎地使用我們的言語，我們就能控制我們的整個身體（雅各書 3：2）。但問題是我們的舌頭是 「不安分的邪惡，充滿了致命的毒藥」。（雅各書 3：8）。可悲的是，當我們不能控制自己的舌頭時，我們就會陷入爭吵，被錯誤的動機所引導，屈服於我們自私的享樂（雅各書 4：1-3）。當雅各談到舌頭時，他呼應了耶穌的教導，耶穌說，從我們口中出來的東西顯示了我們心裏所想的。

那麼，我們如何在舌頭上繫上韁繩或強有力的束縛呢？就像Mikey需要有人戴上他的胸背帶一樣，我們也需要有幫助來遏制我們魯莽的言語。雅各給了我們敬虔的建議。他告訴我們要面對困難，知道這些困難有助於我們培養忍耐（雅各書 1：3）。他告訴我們要求問神（雅各書 1：5）。他挑戰我們要快快地聽，慢慢地說（雅各書 1：19）。他命令我們不可按着外貌待人（雅各書 2：1）。他提醒我們說話和行動要記住我們會受到審判（雅各書 2：12-13）。他告訴我們信仰要有行動，用行為表達我們的信心（雅各書 2：14-26）。他提醒我們，真正的智慧來自於神（雅各書 3：17）。他告誡我們不要假設我們控制著自己的生命（雅各書 4：13-16）。他警告我們不要以犧牲公義為代價來追求財富（雅各書 5：1-6）。他告訴我們是就是，不是就說不是，不要說不必要的話（雅各書 5：12）。他命令我們要禱告（雅各書 5：16）。這些是我們訓練我們的心和嚴格控制舌頭的非常實用的方法。

我們做這些時，要牢記一個真理：

”各樣美善的恩賜、和各樣全備的賞賜、都是從上頭來的．從眾光之父那裏降下來的．在他並沒有改變、也沒有轉動的影兒。”（雅各書 1：17）。

Mikey需要一個新的胸背帶。這保護並控制牠。我們祈求主能嚴緊控制我們的舌頭—就像他所做的那樣，他會保護我們，讓我們在他面前謙卑。所以，這周，當你說出傷人的話語時，要懺悔你內心的態度。然後繼續在愛中說真話的冒險。耶和華必與你同在。

讓我們禱告…

Grace and peace

Pastor Callum