A couple of years ago one end of a chain slipped off the back of a truck in western Colorado. As the truck sped down the highway the chain bounced along, launching sparks into the parched grass along the roadside. The sparks started a huge wildfire, shutting down the interstate in both directions.

Just as sparks set off conflagrations, misspoken words result in pain and frustration. James wrote: The tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness…no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.

Our speech carries the potential for tremendous harm. Just scan the social media environment and wince at the nastiness. Some perpetrators hide behind anonymous accounts as they launch their arsonous attacks. But others need no such protection. They spout libel and foolishness, sparking fires of hostility, way worse than that chain bouncing down the highway.

How do I avoid adding to the cultural inferno? As much as I’d like to comment, I keep my thoughts to myself when it comes to social media. I love to discuss hard topics face-to-face, but not over electronic media. Too much room for misunderstanding.

More importantly, as one who follows Jesus I seek out the wisdom and control of the Holy Spirit. Jesus described the Spirit as our Helper, and where else do I need more help than with my words? The tongue is indeed a fire, and I find only the Holy Spirit douses its flames before they get out of control.

James 3:6-11

Photo by Marcus Kauffman