Living Faith: The Book Of James (James 3: 1-12)

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”    

Remember this phrase from elementary school? This was supposed to cheer us up and be a defense against the mean-spirited bully at school. I was even taught another phrase in self-defense. “I’m rubber and your glue, whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you!” Hmm…that’ll show 'em!     

These phrases are not accurate. Maybe it should say something like: Sticks and stones may break my bones…but given time they will likely heal and I can function as a healthy human in community. Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can take root in my core being and impact my relationship with my parents, spouse, siblings, kids, friends; causing not only a lifetime of scars for myself, but also generations of pain for others. It would probably be hard for elementary kids to memorize that, but it shows the magnitude of our words. 

In the book of James this weekend we look at the power of words, specifically the power of negative words. James gives multiple illustrations to show us the power of our tongue (the muscle that forms the words).     

The illustration I can relate to the most is the idea that the tongue is the spark that can cause an out-of-control fire. I can think of many times where my tongue was the spark that created a wildfire of anxiety or hurt. In chapter 3, James continues unpacking what a Living Faith looks like. Not only is our faith evidenced by our works, but our faith should also be clearly seen in our words.     

Come and explore this idea with us on Sunday, as we continue to see what it looks like for Christians to have a living faith. This is what the world needs to see AND hear from us.