Monday, September 21st, 2020

The political division in this country is only growing with with a presidential election upcoming, countless people are discussing it and posting about it online. Too often, the same people who post espousing the freedom and love of Jesus are in the same breath cursing whatever political figures they disagree with. James confronted this exact conundrum of human nature, saying, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.” It is fine to have opinions and to advocate for what we see as true and right, but the truth is that we who call upon the name of Jesus are set apart and more is expected of us in the eyes of the Lord — and the world. Jesus cannot shine through us when our outward appearance to the world - through our actions, words, and social media posts- communicates hate, anger, bitterness, or a lack of compassion. Our great commission is to go into the world and make disciples of Jesus Christ, but when we use our words and deeds incorrectly, we fail our charge. Today, no matter what you are feeling about the world, rise above the temptations to vent your anger sinfully. Remember, it is possible to critique without cursing.

“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.” — James 3:9-12 NIV