November 30
Guarding
the Tongue
James 1:26
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
Daily Steps
Having established the need for self-control (Day 335) in the inner life and temperance (Day 334) over the body, the new believer must focus this inner discipline on one of the most powerful and difficult areas to control: the tongue. James states plainly that failing to control our speech renders all other claims of faith and spiritual effort meaningless.
The peace in this principle is found in focused speech:
The Test of True Faith: James links religious conviction directly to communication: Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves. True integrity (Day 294) and godly wisdom (Day 291) are proven by what comes out of the mouth. Our speech is the most immediate evidence of whether the Word of Christ dwells richly (Day 327) or if the flesh (Day 316) is dominating.
The Danger of the Tongue: The phrase do not keep a tight rein on their tongues speaks to uncontrolled speech—gossip, anger, complaining, pride, or falsehood. Such speech breaks unity (Day 323), hinders mutual care (Day 324), and acts contrary to the fruit of the Spirit (Day 317).
The Call to Guard: The call is for disciplined speech (Day 293). This requires the power of the Holy Spirit and active effort (The Call to Holiness, Day 314) to use our words only to build up, encourage (spur one another on, Day 328), and glorify our Father in heaven (Day 331).
Your peace is secured by focused speech. Embrace The Final Virtues of the Believer today by committing to keep a tight rein on your tongue. Ask the Holy Spirit to make your speech a demonstration of love, kindness, and gentleness (Day 317) so that your faith is seen as genuine and true.
Reflective Question
If you had to review everything you said yesterday, would your words indicate that you are truly "religious" or that your tongue lacks a tight rein? What is one type of careless speech (e.g., complaining, gossip, harsh criticism) that you need to be especially disciplined about today?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I confess that my tongue is often the area where I most lack self-control. I thank You for the warning that uncontrolled speech makes my religion worthless. I pray for the grace and inner discipline to keep a tight rein on my tongue today. Secure my peace in focused speech, and let my words always bring glory to Your name and encouragement to others. Amen.
