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THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY SEARCHER VOLUME 1, NUMBER 10, APRIL 8, 2001 “THE
VERY WORLD OF INIQUITY”
Perhaps you recognize that phrase. It is from a very well known passage that addresses the subject of the entire bulletin this week. It comes from James 3, and is part of the bible’s teaching concerning the use of the tongue. In James 1:26, we find, “If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless”.
In James 3:5 & 6, we are told, “So also the tongue is a small
part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.
Behold, how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!
And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue
is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire
the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.” Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3:10, “For let him who means to love life and see good days refrain his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile.”
Sins of the tongue are probably the most common of all sins.
The religion of people who are faithful in all other ways can be rendered
useless, without worth, because of the improper use of their tongues.
The tongue truly is a very small part of the body, but it can cause a
great deal of trouble and result in a person being eternally lost.
I am reminded of the words of Jesus found in Matthew Surely we can all see just how important it is for us to control our tongues. We must be certain that there is not an “unwholesome word that proceeds from our mouths, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Eph. 4:29) WHAT ABOUT
GOD’S NAME? People are using God’s name and the name of our Lord Jesus in many ways that they shouldn’t. God’s name is used as an expletive – a profane exclamation. It is used as a byword, in other words, when people are happy, they use God’s name. When they are sad, they use God’s name. If they get disappointed, out will come the name of God. Should they be surprised or suddenly excited, for some reason they use God’s name. Just about anytime and for any reason, God’s name is being used. Such ought not to be. No, that is not strong enough. Such is sinful! Consider some principles set forth in God’s word. In Exodus 20: 7, the Third Commandment, we find, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.” Specifically this refers to the taking of an oath falsely and invoking God’s name as witness. However, in the greater sense, it implies a total lack of reverence for God. It is as worldly as it can be to so carelessly toss God’s name around. I believe that Ecclesiastes 5: 1 & 2, speaks to the attitude called for by the Third Commandment, as well as the entire tenor of the word of God. Solomon wrote, “Guard your steps as you go to the house of God, and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few.” In Psalm 111:9, David said, “He has sent redemption to his people; He has ordained His covenant forever; holy and awesome is His name.” Brethren, the only proper time to use God’s name is when we are speaking to Him or about Him, and then only if it is done reverently. Using His name in any other way is sin.
We might also mention euphemisms or substitutes.
Sometimes we can feel that we have accomplished the same thing by saying
Gosh, or Golly, or Gee Whiz, without violating God’s law.
What do you think about that? WHAT ABOUT
LYING? Lying seems to be a convenient way to keep from getting into trouble or to make us look better than we are. A lie can so easily roll off of the tongue and can even be made to appear palatable if we refer to it as a “little white lie”.
Do we ever stop to think about who we are acting like when one of those
“little white lies” rolls off of our tongues?
Jesus said in John 8:44, “You are of your father the devil, and you
want to do the desires of your father. He
was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because
there is no truth in him. Whenever
he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar, and the father
of lies.”
In Ephesians 4, as Paul was exhorting the Ephesian brethren, and all
Christians, to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have
been called”, he wrote in v. 25, “Therefore, laying aside falsehood,
speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one
another.”
It is never right to lie. Under
no circumstances and regardless of what the consequences might be, honesty is
not only always right, it truly is the best policy.
2 Corinthians WHAT
ABOUT GOSSIP? Have you ever been the object of gossip? I have, and I am here to tell you that it hurts. I have been in congregations where its effects were devastating. Gossip can tear down a congregation as quickly and efficiently as anything else. I have heard it said before, “Kids can be so cruel”, and usually that refers to a child being picked on, and having stories told about them. I think that we all know that adults can be cruel too. Look with me at the wisdom of Solomon. In Proverbs 11:13, he wrote, “He
who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy
conceals a matter.” Proverbs In Proverbs 20:19, Solomon
tells us, “He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do
not associate with a gossip.” Proverbs 26:20, informs us, “For
lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, contention
quiets down.” The prohibitions against gossip are equally clear and adamant in the New Testament as well. In 1 Tim. 5, the Apostle Paul was writing to Timothy of certain obligations a congregation has in the realm of benevolence. In verses 9 – 13, he wrote, “Let a widow be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge. And at the same time they learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.” We can hurt someone so badly with our tongues and I don’t know why anyone who wears the name of Christ would ever want to do it. As children of God, we are Christians all the time. Our responsibility is to strive to be what the Lord would have us to be every minute of every day. That involves controlling our tongues.
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