The tongue is “a world of iniquity,” “an unruly evil,” “tamed by no man,” “full of deadly poison,” “set on fire of hell.” It “boasteth great things,” “defileth the whole body,” “setteth on fire the course of nature.”
These are solemn words. And which of us has not suffered in some way by this “little member.” Having suffered makes us perhaps more careful for a time. But how easily we slip into the old way when not on our guard! If we lived in God’s presence consciously, our words would be assessed by what He thinks of them, not by our faulty human measure.
I know of no one thing which can be the cause of more misery among God’s people than the wrong use of the tongue; of nothing which can rake up more vileness, enmity, strife, and bitterness, or that pains the heart more.
God in His Word has told us of its capabilities in this direction, and we need only take the warning. I do not speak of railing, or of open slander–these are more tangible things–but of the little whisperings and insinuations, the needless repetition of that which does not promote love. “Love worketh no ill.” We know the habit of criticizing each other is wrong, and yet how much we indulge! Sometimes it is thoughtlessly said, but if so, let us wake up to this subconscious mischief. It damages our souls, and is a bane on others. It destroys holy attitudes, inevitably cripples an assembly, and ruins all testimony if allowed in the family. I would here beg of you mothers and fathers, in these days of increasing evil, to cut it short, without mercy, in your homes, at your tables. If you do not, it will eat all the spirituality out of your house.
We have all felt at times, no doubt, under peculiar pressure, the relief which comes in unburdening the heart to someone who will add their prayers to ours; it may be in our own behalf or that of some loved one whose good alone we seek. To this there could be no objection; but such confidences should be held sacred, and that which is confided repeated to none but God. I see no warrant for uncovering the faults and failings of others except to carry them to God with one consent. Oh, if we could only keep this in mind, how much sorrow would be saved!
But I fear that when we allow such things in ourselves, and suffer them to pass unrebuked in others, it shows a sorrowful lack of the exercise of love. This repeating of little matters, back and forth, is contemptible, soul-withering, and not worthy of those professing godliness. It sets fire to the evil of our natural hearts, burning from one to another, driving out peace, joy, love, and all the blessed fruits of the Spirit, and wounding the hearts of those we profess to love.
As those who are called to reflect Christ Jesus in a world which is keen to mark our follies and inconsistencies, and to cast slurs on the name of our blessed Master, examine your hearts in the presence of God.
Remember, “out of the fullness of the heart the mouth speaketh,” and if the heart is not filled with Christ, rest assured, it will not be empty. The days are evil, and the character of the professing church Laodicean. Let us watch therefore, lest we lose our own joy, and stumble the weak.