James’ teaching on the tongue is probably what this letter is famous for. As someone with possible an over-active tongue, I really admire people who don’t seem to need to share their opinion as freely as I do. Some of us need to practise being silent.

On the other side of this argument, when did you last speak out? Either for Jesus or because of the Holy Spirit’s prompting? When did you last pray out loud, either at home or for someone? Would prayer meetings be such hard work if we all came prepared to pray out loud at least once during a 90-minute meeting having sought God to guide us?

Tongue control may not just be about too much speaking, but also not enough.  I firmly believe God gives all of us things to say – but perhaps we should be challenged to open our mouths, use our tongues to declare the greatness of God. The power of the Word!

Another challenging question - when did we last use our voices to testify about our friendship with Jesus or simply to offer to pray for someone, using our voices/tongues to bring in the Kingdom?

Deciding to speak out can become a good habit – like exercise. I don’t know, but what might happen in your workplace if someone is struggling and you say, “Do you know, I’m someone who prays, can I pray for you about that?” In my last workplace I was able to pray in the name of Jesus in the kitchen for 2 people and lay hands on them. I asked another colleague if I could pray for them: they agreed then asked if I could also pray for lifelong prosperity for them too. Plant some Kingdom seeds with your tongue! I hope you don’t feel harangued but encouraged! Our confidence is in Christ, so let’s step out of the BOAT!

I’m thinking of the man born deaf and dumb in the Gospels – Jesus says to him “Be opened”. Is He saying that to you?

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Prayer:

Lord lead me to places where I might speak or act for You today. Bless me with confidence and boldness to glorify Your name. Amen.