Issue #72, December 28, 2011
In the last three issues we examined the “big three” sins of the tongue: Talking too much, lying, and gossiping. James reminds us that as leaders we are held to a higher level of accountability because of our influence (James 3:1). So, let’s conclude this series by looking at five practical steps we can each take to change our tongue.
Confess our sin.
Sins of the tongue are common to every tribe and nation and someone has pointed out that every tongue is the same color! We must stop calling gossipping, lying and talking too much a ‘weakness’ or a ‘problem’ and call it what God does, sin! When we confess it as sin, there is biblical cleansing (1 John 1:9).
Look at our heart.
When we have a problem with our tongue, the root of the problem is our heart. Luke 6:45 concludes, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” We hurt others with our words because we lack love; we gossip because we lack respect for our brother; we lie because we want others to think well of us. Let God deal with our heart before we try to change our tongue.
Memorize the Word.
The best way that I know to change our heart is to get the Word of God deep inside us through memorization and meditation (Psalms 119:9-11). Memorize verses that deal with the specific problem you have. If it is lying, memorize verses that speak of lying. If it is gossip, memorize verses that deal with that subject. The Word of God will begin to change your heart and your tongue will follow.
Ask forgiveness when we fail.
When we sin with our tongues it is very helpful to humble ourselves and use the same tongue to ask forgiveness from those we have hurt (James 5:16). The seven hardest words to say are “I was wrong, will you forgive me?” But do it today. The pain of confession is a powerful incentive to change!
Be patient.
Change takes time. Our speech will not change completely overnight, although it can begin to change tonight! Some of our habits and patterns of speech have taken years to develop and will take some time for God to change in us. But, change is possible! Philippians 1:6 says, “He that began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Let Him begin that good work on your tongue today.
God is still working on me and my tongue is not always under the control of the Holy Spirit. But He has radically changed the way I use my tongue in the past 20 years! Take a moment as we come to the conclusion of this year to reflect on ways that God wants to change your tongue. Use the questions for reflection below to continue your journey.
For further reflection and discussion:
- Take a moment to review the previous three issues on the “big three” sins of the tongue. Which one is the biggest problem for you? __________
- With this sin in mind, work through the five steps in this lesson. I suggest that you write out a confession and identify the heart issue which is at stake. For example, “I confess that I sin by talking too much. This flows from the pride in my heart. I ask you to forgive me for this sin and give me the grace to change. I commit myself to memorize the following verse (insert the verse) and will ask forgiveness from _______ and ______ (insert names). Today will be a turning point for the way I use my tongue and I trust God to help me complete the journey.”