The Power of Words

People should be able to tell you're a People should be able to tell you're a lifelong follower of Jesus lifelong follower of Jesus lifelong follower of Jesus by listening to you. by listening to you. by listening to you. If they overhear you at a restaurant, If they overhear you at a restaurant, If they overhear you at a restaurant, sit by you in class, sit by you in class, sit by you in class, or share an office, or share an office, or share an office, they should be able to tell you're they should be able to tell you're they should be able to tell you're different simply by the way you talk. different simply by the way you talk. different simply by the way you talk. If someone stands in the lobby at If someone stands in the lobby at If someone stands in the lobby at church, church, church, attends a choir practice, a young adult attends a choir practice, a young adult attends a choir practice, a young adult service, a senior adult, or a youth service, a senior adult, or a youth service, a senior adult, or a youth activity, activity, activity, they should be able to identify our they should be able to identify our they should be able to identify our faith by our conversations, faith by our conversations, faith by our conversations, by what we say and how we say it. by what we say and how we say it. by what we say and how we say it. One of the biggest reasons the One of the biggest reasons the One of the biggest reasons the unchurched stay away from church unchurched stay away from church unchurched stay away from church is Christians who don't talk like is Christians who don't talk like is Christians who don't talk like Christians. Christians. Christians. Christians whose faith hasn't made it to Christians whose faith hasn't made it to Christians whose faith hasn't made it to their mouth. A follower of Jesus should sound A follower of Jesus should sound different when you're angry, different when you're angry, different when you're angry, when you're disappointed, when you're disappointed, when you're disappointed, when you're criticized or betrayed, when you're criticized or betrayed, when you're criticized or betrayed, when someone hurts you, when someone hurts you, when someone hurts you, when someone sins or fails.

when someone sins or fails. when someone sins or fails. You should sound different when you're You should sound different when you're You should sound different when you're talking about others, talking about others, talking about others, or when you're talking to someone who's or when you're talking to someone who's or when you're talking to someone who's hurting. hurting. hurting. Faith that works is evident in your Faith that works is evident in your Faith that works is evident in your words. Anyone can sound spiritual on words. Anyone can sound spiritual on words. Anyone can sound spiritual on Sunday. Sunday. Sunday. Faith that works Faith that works Faith that works can still be heard on Monday. The book of James is a letter written to The book of James is a letter written to a group of people who were outcast. a group of people who were outcast. a group of people who were outcast. Homes have been taken away. They were no Homes have been taken away. They were no Homes have been taken away. They were no longer together in one place, but longer together in one place, but longer together in one place, but scattered. scattered. scattered. They were just starting to endure hard They were just starting to endure hard They were just starting to endure hard times, times, times, the beginnings of persecution. the beginnings of persecution. the beginnings of persecution. James wanted to be sure the followers of James wanted to be sure the followers of James wanted to be sure the followers of Jesus had faith that worked. Jesus had faith that worked. Jesus had faith that worked. The world would be watching to see what The world would be watching to see what The world would be watching to see what they did, more importantly, what they they did, more importantly, what they they did, more importantly, what they said said said when hard times came. when hard times came. when hard times came. This particular focus from the book of This particular focus from the book of This particular focus from the book of James is so confrontational, it makes me James is so confrontational, it makes me James is so confrontational, it makes me a little nervous to share. a little nervous to share. a little nervous to share. In the words of Jesus on the subject are In the words of Jesus on the subject are In the words of Jesus on the subject are even more confrontation. Although very challenging, this could be Although very challenging, this could be the key that makes the difference for the key that makes the difference for the key that makes the difference for your friends and families. Students, your friends and families. Students, your friends and families. Students, this could be the key this could be the key this could be the key that sparks revival at your school.

that sparks revival at your school. that sparks revival at your school. This might be the thing that finally This might be the thing that finally This might be the thing that finally leads people to decide your faith is leads people to decide your faith is leads people to decide your faith is real. real. real. James said if anyone considers himself James said if anyone considers himself James said if anyone considers himself religious religious religious yet does not keep a tight rein on his yet does not keep a tight rein on his yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, tongue, tongue, he deceives himself he deceives himself he deceives himself and his religion and his religion and his religion is worthless. is worthless. is worthless. It's pretty clear. It's pretty clear. It's pretty clear. If you claim to be religious but you If you claim to be religious but you If you claim to be religious but you can't control your tongue, can't control your tongue, can't control your tongue, your religion is worthless. In other your religion is worthless. In other your religion is worthless. In other words, words, words, you aren't really a genuine follower of you aren't really a genuine follower of you aren't really a genuine follower of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. The principle is your words can The principle is your words can The principle is your words can invalidate your faith. invalidate your faith. invalidate your faith. We have so many excuses for our words. We have so many excuses for our words. We have so many excuses for our words. Well, you didn't hear what they said Well, you didn't hear what they said Well, you didn't hear what they said about me. about me. about me. It might be gossip, but it's true. I can't help it if I'm negative. That's I can't help it if I'm negative. That's just my personality. Oh, that's just her. She's always Oh, that's just her. She's always talking bad about someone, but she talking bad about someone, but she talking bad about someone, but she doesn't really mean it. doesn't really mean it. doesn't really mean it. You're too sensitive. I was just You're too sensitive. I was just You're too sensitive. I was just kidding.

I used to have a temper. I don't mean I used to have a temper. I don't mean it. it. it. We make excuses, but if you are far too We make excuses, but if you are far too We make excuses, but if you are far too many of us have a disconnect between our many of us have a disconnect between our many of us have a disconnect between our faith and our words. faith and our words. faith and our words. What if every word you said this week What if every word you said this week What if every word you said this week was recorded? was recorded? was recorded? What would those words reveal? What would those words reveal? What would those words reveal? We tried it with my grandson Maverick. We tried it with my grandson Maverick. We tried it with my grandson Maverick. He's 6 years old. He's 6 years old. He's 6 years old. We put a mic on him and we followed him We put a mic on him and we followed him We put a mic on him and we followed him for a day at kids camp. for a day at kids camp. for a day at kids camp. >> I want one with a lot of chocolate. Red light, green light. Red light, green light. And it is a little creepy that you're And it is a little creepy that you're And it is a little creepy that you're just following me. just following me. just following me. >> [screaming] >> [screaming] >> [screaming] >> I am your worst nightmare. >> I am your worst nightmare. >> I am your worst nightmare. I don't know what to play. I don't know what to play. I don't know what to play. Oh, I know. I'll play put my head in the Oh, I know. I'll play put my head in the Oh, I know. I'll play put my head in the trash can. trash can. trash can. Also, we're not trying to find ordinary Also, we're not trying to find ordinary Also, we're not trying to find ordinary blocks. We're trying to find the spider blocks. We're trying to find the spider blocks. We're trying to find the spider that costs a million points.

that costs a million points. that costs a million points. Anyone want to hop on horsey Anyone want to hop on horsey Anyone want to hop on horsey mechanical horse button? mechanical horse button? mechanical horse button? Yoshi bows. Tacos for life. Tacos for life. I love tacos for life. >> What's your other favorite restaurant? >> What's your other favorite restaurant? >> Um, David Burgers. I used to call it >> Um, David Burgers. I used to call it >> Um, David Burgers. I used to call it David's Boogers. David's Boogers. David's Boogers. Oh, yeah. Fire House is my favorite. Oh, yeah. Fire House is my favorite. Oh, yeah. Fire House is my favorite. Tacos for life is my second. Tacos for life is my second. Tacos for life is my second. >> We like the same thing. >> We like the same thing. >> We like the same thing. >> You like the grilled cheese? >> You like the grilled cheese? >> You like the grilled cheese? >> Yeah. >> It's funny when we listen to what >> It's funny when we listen to what Maverick said. But what if there's a microphone But what if there's a microphone following you? following you? following you? Not just here at church.

But in your car? But in your car? When people cut you off in traffic? When people cut you off in traffic? When people cut you off in traffic? At work? At work? At work? At home? At home? At home? And when you were talking with your And when you were talking with your And when you were talking with your friends? friends? friends? Every conversation recorded. Every reaction captured. Every reaction captured. Every comment about other people saved. Every comment about other people saved. Every comment about other people saved. And then imagine next Sunday And then imagine next Sunday And then imagine next Sunday we play those recordings. we play those recordings. we play those recordings. No editing, no explanation, just your No editing, no explanation, just your No editing, no explanation, just your words. words. words. After listening, would people say After listening, would people say After listening, would people say "That person clearly follows Jesus." "That person clearly follows Jesus." "That person clearly follows Jesus." Or would they hear the same anger, Or would they hear the same anger, Or would they hear the same anger, criticism, sarcasmism, and gossip criticism, sarcasmism, and gossip criticism, sarcasmism, and gossip they hear everywhere else? they hear everywhere else? they hear everywhere else? Long before people see your theology or Long before people see your theology or Long before people see your theology or your actions, they hear your your actions, they hear your your actions, they hear your conversations. conversations. conversations. Faith that works is not only something Faith that works is not only something Faith that works is not only something you believe. Faith that works is you believe. Faith that works is you believe. Faith that works is something people can hear. something people can hear. something people can hear. James said, "Not many of you should James said, "Not many of you should James said, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, presume to be teachers, my brothers, presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach because you know that we who teach because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." If you're will be judged more strictly." If you're will be judged more strictly." If you're in leadership or ministry, you'll be in leadership or ministry, you'll be in leadership or ministry, you'll be judged more strictly. That's the way it judged more strictly. That's the way it judged more strictly. That's the way it should be.

should be. should be. But I want to put the emphasis a little But I want to put the emphasis a little But I want to put the emphasis a little different. different. different. will be judged more strictly. will be judged more strictly. will be judged more strictly. So, if you teach, your judgment is So, if you teach, your judgment is So, if you teach, your judgment is stricter than that of others, but stricter than that of others, but stricter than that of others, but notice, we will all be judged for our notice, we will all be judged for our notice, we will all be judged for our words. words. words. You say, "Come on, Ron. That's not what You say, "Come on, Ron. That's not what You say, "Come on, Ron. That's not what it really means. That's a reach." it really means. That's a reach." it really means. That's a reach." Is it? Is it? Is it? Matthew chapter 12, hear the words of Matthew chapter 12, hear the words of Matthew chapter 12, hear the words of Jesus. I tell you, men will have to give Jesus. I tell you, men will have to give Jesus. I tell you, men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every account on the day of judgment for every account on the day of judgment for every careless word careless word careless word they have spoken. they have spoken. they have spoken. Every careless word. Not just the plain Every careless word. Not just the plain Every careless word. Not just the plain words. words. words. Not just the angry words. Not just the angry words. Not just the angry words. Every careless, every loose word. Every careless, every loose word. Every careless, every loose word. For by your words you will be acquitted For by your words you will be acquitted For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned. and by your words you will be condemned. and by your words you will be condemned. Your words are not spoken in a vacuum. Your words are not spoken in a vacuum. Your words are not spoken in a vacuum. One day you will stand before your One day you will stand before your One day you will stand before your heavenly Father and give account for heavenly Father and give account for heavenly Father and give account for your words and every careless word.

your words and every careless word. your words and every careless word. On that day, what will your words On that day, what will your words On that day, what will your words reveal? reveal? reveal? I think you could stop right now. I think you could stop right now. I think you could stop right now. When you see what Jesus says and realize When you see what Jesus says and realize When you see what Jesus says and realize your careless words could condemn you, your careless words could condemn you, your careless words could condemn you, you're ready to ask for forgiveness. But I want to continue looking at what But I want to continue looking at what James has to say. We all stumble in many James has to say. We all stumble in many James has to say. We all stumble in many ways. ways. ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he If anyone is never at fault in what he If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he's a perfect man, says, he's a perfect man, says, he's a perfect man, able to keep the whole body in check. able to keep the whole body in check. able to keep the whole body in check. Then James uses an illustration. Then James uses an illustration. Then James uses an illustration. When we put bits in the mouths of horses When we put bits in the mouths of horses When we put bits in the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the to make them obey us, we can turn the to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. whole animal. whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although Or take ships as an example. Although Or take ships as an example. Although they're so large and are driven by they're so large and are driven by they're so large and are driven by strong winds, they're steered by a very strong winds, they're steered by a very strong winds, they're steered by a very small rudder small rudder small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. A wherever the pilot wants to go. A wherever the pilot wants to go. A massive cargo ship can weigh more than massive cargo ship can weigh more than massive cargo ship can weigh more than 200,000 tons, and some stretch longer 200,000 tons, and some stretch longer 200,000 tons, and some stretch longer than three football fields. than three football fields. than three football fields. Yet compared to the size of the ship, Yet compared to the size of the ship, Yet compared to the size of the ship, the rudder that determines the direction the rudder that determines the direction the rudder that determines the direction of the ship is relatively small.

of the ship is relatively small. of the ship is relatively small. James said your tongue works exactly the James said your tongue works exactly the James said your tongue works exactly the same way. Your life is not steered by same way. Your life is not steered by same way. Your life is not steered by your intentions. your intentions. your intentions. Your life is steered by your words. Your life is steered by your words. Your life is steered by your words. Your relationships, Your relationships, Your relationships, your reputation, your reputation, your reputation, even your future can be steered by even your future can be steered by even your future can be steered by something as small as your tongue. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. the body, but it makes great boasts. the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on Consider what a great forest is set on Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. fire by a small spark. fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire. The tongue is also a fire. The tongue is also a fire. A rumor can destroy a reputation. A rumor can destroy a reputation. A rumor can destroy a reputation. A careless sentence can ruin a A careless sentence can ruin a A careless sentence can ruin a relationship. relationship. relationship. A harsh word can damage a marriage. A harsh word can damage a marriage. A harsh word can damage a marriage. Words spread far faster than you Words spread far faster than you Words spread far faster than you realize. realize. realize. In the late 1800s, In the late 1800s, In the late 1800s, a newspaper falsely reported that Mark a newspaper falsely reported that Mark a newspaper falsely reported that Mark Twain had died. Twain had died. Twain had died. The rumor quickly spread. Friends began The rumor quickly spread. Friends began The rumor quickly spread. Friends began writing condolences. Twain responded writing condolences. Twain responded writing condolences. Twain responded with a famous line, "The rumors of my with a famous line, "The rumors of my with a famous line, "The rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated."

One sentence One sentence started a rumor about a dead man who was started a rumor about a dead man who was started a rumor about a dead man who was still alive. still alive. still alive. That's exactly what James warned about. That's exactly what James warned about. That's exactly what James warned about. A small spark can start a massive fire. A small spark can start a massive fire. A small spark can start a massive fire. Once words are spoken, Once words are spoken, Once words are spoken, you cannot pull them back. Stories told you cannot pull them back. Stories told you cannot pull them back. Stories told about a man who went to his pastor about a man who went to his pastor about a man who went to his pastor and confessed he'd been gossiping about and confessed he'd been gossiping about and confessed he'd been gossiping about someone in the church. someone in the church. someone in the church. And he asked the pastor what he should And he asked the pastor what he should And he asked the pastor what he should do. The pastor said, "Go home, cut open do. The pastor said, "Go home, cut open do. The pastor said, "Go home, cut open a pillow, and scatter the feathers all a pillow, and scatter the feathers all a pillow, and scatter the feathers all over town." over town." over town." The man did, came back to the pastor and The man did, came back to the pastor and The man did, came back to the pastor and said, "Now what?" The pastor said, "Go said, "Now what?" The pastor said, "Go said, "Now what?" The pastor said, "Go collect every feather." collect every feather." collect every feather." The man said, "Well, that's impossible. The man said, "Well, that's impossible. The man said, "Well, that's impossible. The wind has carried them everywhere." The wind has carried them everywhere." The wind has carried them everywhere." The pastor said, "That's exactly what The pastor said, "That's exactly what The pastor said, "That's exactly what happens with your words." happens with your words." happens with your words." Years ago we had a massive celebration Years ago we had a massive celebration Years ago we had a massive celebration to end the service. There There were to end the service. There There were to end the service. There There were people walking on stilts, flags waving people walking on stilts, flags waving people walking on stilts, flags waving in the air, people singing and dancing, in the air, people singing and dancing, in the air, people singing and dancing, balloons falling from the ceiling.

balloons falling from the ceiling. balloons falling from the ceiling. The cherry on top was a massive cake The cherry on top was a massive cake The cherry on top was a massive cake that shot out confetti. that shot out confetti. that shot out confetti. When the service was over, we cleaned it When the service was over, we cleaned it When the service was over, we cleaned it all up. all up. all up. And when we were done, everything looked And when we were done, everything looked And when we were done, everything looked good. good. good. But as time passed, But as time passed, But as time passed, weeks, months, even years later, we were weeks, months, even years later, we were weeks, months, even years later, we were still finding pieces of confetti still finding pieces of confetti still finding pieces of confetti scattered around the room and the stage. scattered around the room and the stage. scattered around the room and the stage. No matter how hard we tried, we never No matter how hard we tried, we never No matter how hard we tried, we never got it all. That's the way your words are. That's the way your words are. They spread They spread They spread and they last. and they last. and they last. Sadly, even when you think it's all been Sadly, even when you think it's all been Sadly, even when you think it's all been forgotten, your words have the power to forgotten, your words have the power to forgotten, your words have the power to pop back up in people's minds pop back up in people's minds pop back up in people's minds weeks, months, even years later. weeks, months, even years later. weeks, months, even years later. No matter how much you try to clean up No matter how much you try to clean up No matter how much you try to clean up the situation, your words can't be the situation, your words can't be the situation, your words can't be undone. undone. undone. Once they leave your mouth, Once they leave your mouth, Once they leave your mouth, words travel further than you ever words travel further than you ever words travel further than you ever intended. intended. intended. The tongue The tongue The tongue also is a fire, also is a fire, also is a fire, a world of evil among the many parts of a world of evil among the many parts of a world of evil among the many parts of the body.

the body. the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the It corrupts the whole person, sets the It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and whole course of his life on fire, and whole course of his life on fire, and itself set on fire by hell. itself set on fire by hell. itself set on fire by hell. What would people say is the most evil What would people say is the most evil What would people say is the most evil part of their body? part of their body? part of their body? Their eyes? Their eyes? Their eyes? Their mind? Their hands? Their mind? Their hands? Their mind? Their hands? James said, "No, your tongue is evil." James said, "No, your tongue is evil." James said, "No, your tongue is evil." And sets the whole course of your life And sets the whole course of your life And sets the whole course of your life on fire. on fire. on fire. It's true. Your words do hurt and cause It's true. Your words do hurt and cause It's true. Your words do hurt and cause damage to others, but even more than damage to others, but even more than damage to others, but even more than that, your words hurt that, your words hurt that, your words hurt you. Your words determine the direction of Your words determine the direction of your life. your life. your life. Your careless words steer your entire Your careless words steer your entire Your careless words steer your entire body on the path of evil. body on the path of evil. body on the path of evil. When you get done reading all that, you When you get done reading all that, you When you get done reading all that, you just want to cut out your tongue. James wasn't done. With the tongue we James wasn't done. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it praise our Lord and Father, and with it praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who've been made in God's we curse men who've been made in God's we curse men who've been made in God's likeness. likeness. likeness. Out of the same mouth comes praise, the Out of the same mouth comes praise, the Out of the same mouth comes praise, the King James says blessing, King James says blessing, King James says blessing, and cursing. My brothers, this should and cursing. My brothers, this should and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.

not be. not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow Can both fresh water and salt water flow Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? from the same spring? from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? or a grapevine bear figs? or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh Neither can a salt spring produce fresh Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. water. water. Let me put that in modern-day Rod Let me put that in modern-day Rod Let me put that in modern-day Rod version. You come to church and sing version. You come to church and sing version. You come to church and sing songs of praise to God, songs of praise to God, songs of praise to God, then you go out and talk bad about then you go out and talk bad about then you go out and talk bad about others, others, others, people God created. people God created. people God created. Out of your mouth Out of your mouth Out of your mouth comes praise to God, words of blessing. comes praise to God, words of blessing. comes praise to God, words of blessing. And then out of the same mouth And then out of the same mouth And then out of the same mouth comes destructive words, words of comes destructive words, words of comes destructive words, words of cursing. How can that be? cursing. How can that be? cursing. How can that be? Can an apple tree produce oranges? Of Can an apple tree produce oranges? Of Can an apple tree produce oranges? Of course not. If you get oranges, it's an course not. If you get oranges, it's an course not. If you get oranges, it's an orange tree. orange tree. orange tree. Can someone with faith that works Can someone with faith that works Can someone with faith that works produce negative, damage, hurtful words? If the words of James make you If the words of James make you uncomfortable, uncomfortable, uncomfortable, Jesus took it even further. My dad Jesus took it even further. My dad Jesus took it even further. My dad quoted this to me and my sisters quoted this to me and my sisters quoted this to me and my sisters when we were growing up.

when we were growing up. when we were growing up. Probably a thousand times. Probably a thousand times. Probably a thousand times. Now, he quoted it in the King James. Now, he quoted it in the King James. Now, he quoted it in the King James. So, that's how I know it. In the King So, that's how I know it. In the King So, that's how I know it. In the King James it says, "Out of the abundance of James it says, "Out of the abundance of James it says, "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." We use the NIV. We use the NIV. It says, "For out of the overflow of the It says, "For out of the overflow of the It says, "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." heart the mouth speaks." heart the mouth speaks." The good man brings good things out of The good man brings good things out of The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him. the good stored up in him. the good stored up in him. The evil man brings evil things The evil man brings evil things The evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. out of the evil stored up in him. out of the evil stored up in him. Jesus says, Jesus says, Jesus says, "No excuses. What comes out of your "No excuses. What comes out of your "No excuses. What comes out of your mouth is from your heart." mouth is from your heart." mouth is from your heart." If good words come out, there's real If good words come out, there's real If good words come out, there's real faith. If evil words come out, faith. If evil words come out, faith. If evil words come out, that's because evil's in your heart. that's because evil's in your heart. that's because evil's in your heart. Your words reveal your spiritual Your words reveal your spiritual Your words reveal your spiritual condition. James also warned about arrogant speech. James also warned about arrogant speech. Said, "As it is, you boast and brag. All Said, "As it is, you boast and brag. All Said, "As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil."

such boasting is evil." such boasting is evil." Faith that works produces humble speech. Faith that works produces humble speech. Faith that works produces humble speech. A person with faith that works A person with faith that works A person with faith that works understands that every good thing understands that every good thing understands that every good thing ultimately comes from God. Because of ultimately comes from God. Because of ultimately comes from God. Because of that, followers of Jesus are careful that, followers of Jesus are careful that, followers of Jesus are careful about the way they talk about their about the way they talk about their about the way they talk about their accomplishments, their plans, and their accomplishments, their plans, and their accomplishments, their plans, and their successes. Arrogant speech sounds like, successes. Arrogant speech sounds like, successes. Arrogant speech sounds like, "Look what I did. "Look what I did. "Look what I did. Here's what I'm going to accomplish. Here's what I'm going to accomplish. Here's what I'm going to accomplish. Look at the plan I made. Hey, hey, don't Look at the plan I made. Hey, hey, don't Look at the plan I made. Hey, hey, don't forget. I'm the one who had that idea." A few verses earlier, James said, "Our A few verses earlier, James said, "Our lives are a mist that appears for a lives are a mist that appears for a lives are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." little while and then vanishes." little while and then vanishes." Because of that reality, faithful people Because of that reality, faithful people Because of that reality, faithful people speak with humility. Instead of bragging speak with humility. Instead of bragging speak with humility. Instead of bragging about what they will do, they say, "If about what they will do, they say, "If about what they will do, they say, "If it's the Lord's will, we will live and it's the Lord's will, we will live and it's the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." do this or that." do this or that." Faith that works removes the arrogance Faith that works removes the arrogance Faith that works removes the arrogance from your language, replaces it with from your language, replaces it with from your language, replaces it with gratitude, dependence, and humility.

gratitude, dependence, and humility. gratitude, dependence, and humility. James wasn't done talking about your James wasn't done talking about your James wasn't done talking about your words. words. words. Now, Now, Now, if you're already a little if you're already a little if you're already a little uncomfortable, uncomfortable, uncomfortable, you're about to be even more so. you're about to be even more so. you're about to be even more so. Because in chapter 5, James addressed Because in chapter 5, James addressed Because in chapter 5, James addressed complaining. "Don't grumble against each other, "Don't grumble against each other, brothers, brothers, brothers, or you will be judged." or you will be judged." or you will be judged." Grumbling is negative speech disguised Grumbling is negative speech disguised Grumbling is negative speech disguised as honesty. as honesty. as honesty. It sounds like, "Well, I'm just venting. It sounds like, "Well, I'm just venting. It sounds like, "Well, I'm just venting. I'm just being real. I'm just being real. I'm just being real. Everybody knows it. Someone needs to say Everybody knows it. Someone needs to say Everybody knows it. Someone needs to say it." Grumbling rarely solves a problem. Grumbling rarely solves a problem. Instead, it spreads frustration, poisons Instead, it spreads frustration, poisons Instead, it spreads frustration, poisons relationships, and weakens unity. relationships, and weakens unity. relationships, and weakens unity. Grumbling turns conversation into Grumbling turns conversation into Grumbling turns conversation into complaint sessions, and slowly erodes complaint sessions, and slowly erodes complaint sessions, and slowly erodes trust between people who are supposed to trust between people who are supposed to trust between people who are supposed to love and support each other. Remember, love and support each other. Remember, love and support each other. Remember, James is writing to believers who are James is writing to believers who are James is writing to believers who are already under pressure.

already under pressure. already under pressure. They'd been scattered by persecution, They'd been scattered by persecution, They'd been scattered by persecution, were dealing with hardship and were dealing with hardship and were dealing with hardship and uncertainty. uncertainty. uncertainty. In those kind of seasons, people In those kind of seasons, people In those kind of seasons, people naturally become short-tempered, naturally become short-tempered, naturally become short-tempered, critical, and negative. Complaining critical, and negative. Complaining critical, and negative. Complaining becomes easy. becomes easy. becomes easy. That damages the church. That damages the church. That damages the church. When believers grumble against each When believers grumble against each When believers grumble against each other, it shifts the focus from God's other, it shifts the focus from God's other, it shifts the focus from God's word to others' faults. word to others' faults. word to others' faults. It replaces encouragement with criticism It replaces encouragement with criticism It replaces encouragement with criticism and unity with suspicion. Faith that works does not fuel Faith that works does not fuel complaining conversation. complaining conversation. complaining conversation. Faith that works protects the unity of Faith that works protects the unity of Faith that works protects the unity of the church. the church. the church. The local church and the big C church. The local church and the big C church. The local church and the big C church. By refusing to participate in negative By refusing to participate in negative By refusing to participate in negative destructive talk. destructive talk. destructive talk. See, Pastor Rod, why so intense? Because as I read the Bible, I realize Because as I read the Bible, I realize heaven's at stake.

heaven's at stake. heaven's at stake. I have to share with you what the Bible I have to share with you what the Bible I have to share with you what the Bible says on this subject. It's true for you says on this subject. It's true for you says on this subject. It's true for you and it's true for me. and it's true for me. and it's true for me. This is not just about your testimony, This is not just about your testimony, This is not just about your testimony, what others think. This is an issue that what others think. This is an issue that what others think. This is an issue that goes to your salvation. goes to your salvation. goes to your salvation. Whether you are fully devoted follower Whether you are fully devoted follower Whether you are fully devoted follower of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. As I prepared this message, I was As I prepared this message, I was As I prepared this message, I was convicted of careless words I've spoken. convicted of careless words I've spoken. convicted of careless words I've spoken. I purpose in my heart my words will I purpose in my heart my words will I purpose in my heart my words will reveal my faith. reveal my faith. reveal my faith. If my words are evil, instead of making If my words are evil, instead of making If my words are evil, instead of making excuses, excuses, excuses, I'm going to look inside myself and ask I'm going to look inside myself and ask I'm going to look inside myself and ask God to forgive me of sin and cleanse me God to forgive me of sin and cleanse me God to forgive me of sin and cleanse me of evil. of evil. of evil. I want to speak words of praise and I want to speak words of praise and I want to speak words of praise and blessing, not evil, destructive, blessing, not evil, destructive, blessing, not evil, destructive, damaging words of cursing. damaging words of cursing. damaging words of cursing. If my faith is real, it must affect my If my faith is real, it must affect my If my faith is real, it must affect my words. Now, let me back up share truth with Now, let me back up share truth with you. Chapter 3, verse 7. you. Chapter 3, verse 7. you. Chapter 3, verse 7. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, creatures of the sea are being tamed and creatures of the sea are being tamed and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by men, but no man can have been tamed by men, but no man can have been tamed by men, but no man can tame the tongue.

tame the tongue. tame the tongue. It's a restless evil It's a restless evil It's a restless evil full of deadly poison. full of deadly poison. full of deadly poison. No man can tame the tongue. Do you know No man can tame the tongue. Do you know No man can tame the tongue. Do you know what that means? It means no man can what that means? It means no man can what that means? It means no man can tame the tongue. tame the tongue. tame the tongue. This is not easy. This is not easy. This is not easy. This is not something you can do by This is not something you can do by This is not something you can do by yourself. yourself. yourself. This is not an I'm going to make a New This is not an I'm going to make a New This is not an I'm going to make a New Year's resolution never speak negatively Year's resolution never speak negatively Year's resolution never speak negatively again kind of thing. again kind of thing. again kind of thing. This is not a pick up a tip from YouTube This is not a pick up a tip from YouTube This is not a pick up a tip from YouTube kind of thing. kind of thing. kind of thing. You need God's help to control your You need God's help to control your You need God's help to control your tongue. tongue. tongue. To control your words. To control your words. To control your words. And here's the good news. And here's the good news. And here's the good news. God can change your heart. God can change your heart. God can change your heart. And when God changes your heart, And when God changes your heart, And when God changes your heart, your mouth your mouth your mouth follows. follows. follows. Remember what Jesus said? Out of the Remember what Jesus said? Out of the Remember what Jesus said? Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth abundance of the heart, the mouth abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. speaks. speaks. My prayer is that my words and your My prayer is that my words and your My prayer is that my words and your words words words will reveal a genuine faith in and will reveal a genuine faith in and will reveal a genuine faith in and relationship with Jesus. One that others relationship with Jesus. One that others relationship with Jesus. One that others will hear and say, "I want to be like will hear and say, "I want to be like will hear and say, "I want to be like him. I want to be a part of that."

What would a church be like that really What would a church be like that really got this? got this? got this? Wouldn't it be amazing to come to a Wouldn't it be amazing to come to a Wouldn't it be amazing to come to a church and know that everyone spoke good church and know that everyone spoke good church and know that everyone spoke good about you? about you? about you? Wouldn't it be awesome to know that Wouldn't it be awesome to know that Wouldn't it be awesome to know that everyone in church was rooting for you everyone in church was rooting for you everyone in church was rooting for you when you fail, that no one was gossiping when you fail, that no one was gossiping when you fail, that no one was gossiping about your failure? Wouldn't it be refreshing to come to Wouldn't it be refreshing to come to church and know that everyone you pass church and know that everyone you pass church and know that everyone you pass is speaking words of blessing to you? Can you imagine a place where everyone Can you imagine a place where everyone allowed their faith to make it their allowed their faith to make it their allowed their faith to make it their mouth mouth mouth and spoke words of faith and blessing? and spoke words of faith and blessing? and spoke words of faith and blessing? You wouldn't miss a service if you knew You wouldn't miss a service if you knew You wouldn't miss a service if you knew everyone was focused on building you up, everyone was focused on building you up, everyone was focused on building you up, making you feel better about yourself? making you feel better about yourself? making you feel better about yourself? How healthy would that church be? How healthy would that church be? How healthy would that church be? What kind of kind of impact would that What kind of kind of impact would that What kind of kind of impact would that church have in its community? church have in its community? church have in its community? That's the kind of church I want to That's the kind of church I want to That's the kind of church I want to attend. attend. attend. That's the kind of faith group I want my That's the kind of faith group I want my That's the kind of faith group I want my grandchildren to belong to. grandchildren to belong to. grandchildren to belong to. When people ask me about my dream for a When people ask me about my dream for a When people ask me about my dream for a local church, this is a huge part of it.

local church, this is a huge part of it. local church, this is a huge part of it. I'm committed to doing whatever it takes I'm committed to doing whatever it takes I'm committed to doing whatever it takes to see First NLR be that kind of church, to see First NLR be that kind of church, to see First NLR be that kind of church, the kind of church with a faith that the kind of church with a faith that the kind of church with a faith that affects the way we talk to and about affects the way we talk to and about affects the way we talk to and about others. others. others. Do you know what the tendency is? You listen to a message like this and You listen to a message like this and you say, you say, you say, "Ooh, "Ooh, "Ooh, I sure hope Bud was listening today I sure hope Bud was listening today I sure hope Bud was listening today cuz that gossip sure needs this. Boy, I I hope Angie is watching online. Boy, I I hope Angie is watching online. I'm going to send her a link. I'm going to send her a link. I'm going to send her a link. I'd like to hear her say something nice I'd like to hear her say something nice I'd like to hear her say something nice just once." just once." just once." That's the tendency. Someone else needs That's the tendency. Someone else needs That's the tendency. Someone else needs this this this and I sure hope they were listening. and I sure hope they were listening. and I sure hope they were listening. But the kind of church I just talked But the kind of church I just talked But the kind of church I just talked about starts with me. about starts with me. about starts with me. Instead of taking care of everyone else, Instead of taking care of everyone else, Instead of taking care of everyone else, apply it yourself. apply it yourself. apply it yourself. For us to have a church that looks like For us to have a church that looks like For us to have a church that looks like that, you must have a life that looks that, you must have a life that looks that, you must have a life that looks like that.

I don't know everything this involves I don't know everything this involves for you. Some of you need to repent and for you. Some of you need to repent and for you. Some of you need to repent and ask forgiveness. We'll do that in a ask forgiveness. We'll do that in a ask forgiveness. We'll do that in a moment. moment. moment. Others of you need to quit gossiping or Others of you need to quit gossiping or Others of you need to quit gossiping or listening to it. listening to it. listening to it. Stop grumbling. Stop grumbling. Stop grumbling. Still others need to find the good in Still others need to find the good in Still others need to find the good in others. others. others. The application might be different. If we play back everything you said, If we play back everything you said, would it sound like genuine faith that would it sound like genuine faith that would it sound like genuine faith that works? Look again what James said. works? Look again what James said. works? Look again what James said. If anyone considers himself religious, If anyone considers himself religious, If anyone considers himself religious, yet does not keep a tight rein on his yet does not keep a tight rein on his yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his tongue, he deceives himself and his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. And just for a minute, I want to talk to And just for a minute, I want to talk to those of you who are not yet Christians, those of you who are not yet Christians, those of you who are not yet Christians, here and watching online. here and watching online. here and watching online. You've not yet decided to dedicate your You've not yet decided to dedicate your You've not yet decided to dedicate your life to Jesus. life to Jesus. life to Jesus. Many of you haven't done that Many of you haven't done that Many of you haven't done that because of words said by people who are because of words said by people who are because of words said by people who are supposedly Christians. Hurtful words, supposedly Christians. Hurtful words, supposedly Christians. Hurtful words, judgmental words, judgmental words, judgmental words, hypocritical words.

It's possible It's possible the people you listened to weren't the people you listened to weren't the people you listened to weren't actually Christians. actually Christians. actually Christians. They didn't have faith that works. They didn't have faith that works. They didn't have faith that works. And here's what I ask you. And here's what I ask you. And here's what I ask you. Please don't judge faith Please don't judge faith Please don't judge faith by people who don't have real faith. If you are a follower of Jesus, this If you are a follower of Jesus, this week, before you pray for a miracle, week, before you pray for a miracle, week, before you pray for a miracle, before you ask God for direction, before before you ask God for direction, before before you ask God for direction, before you ask him to change your you ask him to change your you ask him to change your circumstances, ask him to change your circumstances, ask him to change your circumstances, ask him to change your words. Ask him to change the conversations in Ask him to change the conversations in your home. your home. your home. Ask him to change the way you talk about Ask him to change the way you talk about Ask him to change the way you talk about people. people. people. Ask him to change the way you respond Ask him to change the way you respond Ask him to change the way you respond when you're angry, disappointed, or when you're angry, disappointed, or when you're angry, disappointed, or frustrated. frustrated. frustrated. Because when God changes your heart, Because when God changes your heart, Because when God changes your heart, your words will change. your words will change. your words will change. And when your words change, And when your words change, And when your words change, people will hear something different. people will hear something different. people will hear something different. They will hear patience instead of They will hear patience instead of They will hear patience instead of anger.

anger. anger. They will hear encouragement instead of They will hear encouragement instead of They will hear encouragement instead of criticism. criticism. criticism. They will hear humility instead of They will hear humility instead of They will hear humility instead of arrogance. arrogance. arrogance. They will hear blessing instead of They will hear blessing instead of They will hear blessing instead of gossip. gossip. gossip. When people hear that kind of speech, When people hear that kind of speech, When people hear that kind of speech, something powerful will happen. They something powerful will happen. They something powerful will happen. They will recognize your faith is real. Your will recognize your faith is real. Your will recognize your faith is real. Your co-workers will notice. your neighbors co-workers will notice. your neighbors co-workers will notice. your neighbors will notice, your family will notice. will notice, your family will notice. will notice, your family will notice. The people who've been skeptical about The people who've been skeptical about The people who've been skeptical about Christianity will notice, other students Christianity will notice, other students Christianity will notice, other students will notice. will notice. will notice. Because faith that works is not only Because faith that works is not only Because faith that works is not only something people see, faith that works something people see, faith that works something people see, faith that works is faith you can hear. My challenge to you is let your faith My challenge to you is let your faith make it your mouth. make it your mouth. make it your mouth. Speak words that build people up. Speak words that build people up. Speak words that build people up. Speak words that honor God. Speak words that honor God. Speak words that honor God. Speak words that reflect the heart of Speak words that reflect the heart of Speak words that reflect the heart of Jesus, because the world is listening. I want to end service a little different I want to end service a little different today. I've purposely left time. And today. I've purposely left time. And today. I've purposely left time. And don't Please don't take this as your don't Please don't take this as your don't Please don't take this as your opportunity to get up and walk out, cuz opportunity to get up and walk out, cuz opportunity to get up and walk out, cuz you'll just be a distraction.

In a moment, we're going to all pray In a moment, we're going to all pray together and ask forgiveness for our together and ask forgiveness for our together and ask forgiveness for our words. words. words. Uh and because I know we're all guilty, Uh and because I know we're all guilty, Uh and because I know we're all guilty, because James said no man can tame the because James said no man can tame the because James said no man can tame the tongue. But I want to give you just But I want to give you just three or four minutes three or four minutes three or four minutes for quiet prayer on your own. for quiet prayer on your own. for quiet prayer on your own. You can pray right where you are. You You can pray right where you are. You You can pray right where you are. You can close your eyes. You can kneel. can close your eyes. You can kneel. can close your eyes. You can kneel. Whatever you want to do. Whatever you want to do. Whatever you want to do. Um Um Um but I want you to pray, and I want you but I want you to pray, and I want you but I want you to pray, and I want you to allow God to allow God to allow God to reveal to you to reveal to you to reveal to you what your words are saying. And I want you to ask God to help you And I want you to ask God to help you with your words. with your words. with your words. Students, I want you to ask God to help Students, I want you to ask God to help Students, I want you to ask God to help you because you're about to enter a you because you're about to enter a you because you're about to enter a cesspool of words at school. And that your words would point people And that your words would point people to Jesus. to Jesus. to Jesus. Your words would reveal something Your words would reveal something Your words would reveal something different about yourself, Mom and Dad.

different about yourself, Mom and Dad. different about yourself, Mom and Dad. I want you to pray that your words will I want you to pray that your words will I want you to pray that your words will reveal your heart and be [music] reveal your heart and be [music] reveal your heart and be [music] pleasing to the Lord. So, I'm just going pleasing to the Lord. So, I'm just going pleasing to the Lord. So, I'm just going to take 3 or 4 minutes, turn off my mic, to take 3 or 4 minutes, turn off my mic, to take 3 or 4 minutes, turn off my mic, and then we'll all pray together. Lord, we ask you Lord, we ask you for forgiveness. Because every one of us [music] in this Because every one of us [music] in this room, Lord, we don't just ask you to change Lord, we don't just ask you to change [music] our words, we ask you to change [music] our words, we ask you to change [music] our words, we ask you to change our heart. our heart. our heart. So, that So, that So, that our our our words will reflect a heart that follows words will reflect a heart that follows words will reflect a heart that follows you. And that out of the abundance of our And that out of the abundance of our heart, our mouth will [music] speak heart, our mouth will [music] speak heart, our mouth will [music] speak words of encouragement, words of encouragement, words of encouragement, words of praise, words of praise, words of praise, words that build up instead of tear words that build up instead of tear words that build up instead of tear down.

Not careless words, but careful words Not careless words, but careful words that honor you. that honor you. that honor you. Forgive us, Lord. We really need your help in this, We really need your help in this, [music] God. [music] God. [music] God. Lord, we We apply the same lessons to Lord, we We apply the same lessons to Lord, we We apply the same lessons to our social media. We're very embarrassed our social media. We're very embarrassed our social media. We're very embarrassed [music] [music] [music] if we have to really think our way if we have to really think our way if we have to really think our way through through through our words that we put online. I pray for [music] especially for our I pray for [music] especially for our students as they return to school. I pray that their words would reflect I pray that their words would reflect the love that they have in their heart the love that they have in their heart the love that they have in their heart for you and for others. for you and for others. for you and for others. Lord, that their hearts Lord, that their hearts Lord, that their hearts would be pure and the position of their would be pure and the position of their would be pure and the position of their heart would be pleasing [music] to you heart would be pleasing [music] to you heart would be pleasing [music] to you and because the position of their heart and because the position of their heart and because the position of their heart is pleasing to you, the words that come is pleasing to you, the words that come is pleasing to you, the words that come out of their mouth will be pleasing to out of their mouth will be pleasing to out of their mouth will be pleasing to you and encouraging to others.

Lord, I just don't pray for [music] Lord, I just don't pray for [music] students. I pray for those of us who are students. I pray for those of us who are students. I pray for those of us who are later in life later in life later in life and still really need to learn this and still really need to learn this and still really need to learn this lesson. In Jesus' [music] name. In Jesus' [music] name. Amen.