A deep roar rumbled from the lion's throat. His muscles tensed as he crouched to pounce. In a flash, the experienced hunter bellowed a command which struck the surging beast such force that he sunk meekly to the ground. The lion was under control. Those who stood by, breathless, were amazed. Turning his back on the defeated lion, he exited the enclosure. A woman screamed, "Watch out!" Whirling around, the hunter braced himself, and then shouted, "Where?". He could see no immediate danger. "There!" she yelled, pointing at the cat approaching him from behind. The hunter smiled, reaching down and scooping up the meowing little kitten.
While this story may seem silly. But what the woman in the crowd did when she saw the kitten approaching the great hunter is what Christians are tempted to do every day. Scripture shows that if you have the ability to tame the lion of your tongue, you will of course be able to control the lesser kitten-challenges you face. We tend to think that if we can control the kitten, we can control the lion.
Many Christians are serious about some sins. Yet often, controlling their speech is not among those sins.
Imagine a Christian confessed to the elders of his church that he was beating his wife. This would be taken as a serious issue that needs to be dealt with.
How is it that a person who is complaining, or speaks rudely to other people is not treated with the same kind of surprise and seriousness that he would be treated with if he was stealing from his employer?
What kinds of words flow from your mouth when you are confident no-one you respect is listening to you; when you are at rest; when you are angry? These words reveal your heart. |
