“What Are You Saying?”
James 3:9-10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
One of the things that bother me the most is to hear something come out of the mouth of professing Christian that does not line up with their faith. I have no doubt why many unbelievers dare not darken the door of a church because of the example that a Christian friend has portrayed. I have heard this very statement, “Church, you have got to be kidding, why should I go to church, I’m not living any different than the average Christian!” Wow! That’s enough to make you want to go find a rock and hide under it. Sad, but in many instances, true!
How can one praise the Lord on Sunday and curse someone out on Monday? It happens more times than not. I would sum that up as; something is vitally wrong with their relationship with the Lord. I know….maybe you’re sitting there reading this today and thinking, “She sure is being judgmental!” Nope! I don’t have to judge, we are already judged by the one who matters the most. People especially unbelievers, do judge us on our fruit. If you SAY you are a Christian, then most of those unbelievers EXPECT to see something different. It is so very important to know what you know and then put that into practice every moment of the day. Listen, I am not perfect, no one is, but something is wrong when there is not enough God in us to react in a godly manner in a moment of struggle, hardship or just if someone pushed your buttons. There is a reputation that goes along with your faith and when we lose that you’ve lost everything.
Unsaved people; people who are no longer going to church because of hurts and misunderstandings must have a sobering realization of their need to come to God. Your life often is the only Bible they will ever read. In our scripture text, James is giving a strong instruction on what is coming out of our mouth. We must “think” before we speak. Don’t allow the enemy to get you backed into an attitude of complacency and lack. We must run to God; spend quality time with Him to be changed into His likeness. The more of God that is in you, there will be less room for the world. Prayer is vital to an appropriate response to life’s circumstances. You are being watched on a moment by moment basis. The enemy desires to see you fail! He will use you to give off a negative connotation to those unbelievers.
Make up your mind today! Are you going to live for Christ all the way, or are you going to straddle the fence of indecisiveness? Here’s a sobering thought…….”You may be the only reason why a person comes to God or not!” What kind of water is flowing out of you, bitter or sweet? James is saying only one kind can honestly flow. So, here’s the challenge, think about what you have been saying, and if you need to make changes do it now! God can use you and He wants to use you!
Lord Jesus,
I thank you for the opportunity to come before you whenever I want to. And, I thank you for your unconditional love and willingness to work with my imperfections. Lord, forgive us of not reacting like we ought to. Forgive me, if I have ever been a stumbling block to an unbeliever by saying something negative. Lord, I realize as a carnal being that there are many opportunities to allow the enemy to use me and I renounce his power over me. I give you my all, everything that I am. May the words that I speak uplift not tear down.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Dr. Shelia Isom
High Voltage Devotional
Experiencing Revival
For more from Dr. Sheila Isom and Experiencing Revival, please visit www.drsisom.org
