The Answer is Found in the Spring
ICS Daily Devotions
James 3:10-12 (NKJV) Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter form the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olive, or grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.
If you’re tempted to sow discord—don’t! God hates it, and there isn’t one Bible example where it turns out well for the person who sows discord. You will realise that the countenance of someone who sows discord and is full of strife will not be glorious. You can almost sense bitterness and hatred flowing out of the person. It is not a good feeling neither does the person make good company. It is wise to restrain our lips in the presence of these people.
Proverbs 10:19 (NKJV) In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
If someone tries to lure you into a net of discord—run! You don’t want any of the consequences that come with associating with those who sow discord. It is always more tempting to dwell on the negatives and to contribute to negativism especially when we have similar experiences or encounters, but if we don’t restrain our words, we can be assured that sin is not lacking. The devil would always like to stoke the flame, so don’t fall into his trap but flee from him. It does take more effort and energy to walk in unity and to say words that edify because it doesn’t always come naturally.
It is humanly impossible for anyone to use their own strength to tame the tongue or get a grip of their lip due to the sin nature and the fact that unbelievers are under the influence of the prince of the power of the air. However, it is not so for born-again Christians because we are new creations and have the nature of God in us. This is the reason James addressed the brethren that blessing and cursing should not proceed from the same mouth. The spring in the opening passage refers to the heart of man. We have a new heart the moment we are saved. Therefore, there is a new spring in all believers that is flowing with fresh water.
If you want to see good days in your life as a believer of Jesus Christ and enjoy the abundant life, you need to be intentional in making changes to your speech by speaking life and blessings. The transformed life is living from the inside out, and allowing the new creation to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to tame our tongue and reign in the flesh.
Sermon Series: Cell Group Campaign
