Tongues of Fire!

            The Bible talks about the power of the tongue (James 3:5-9). The very Word of God claims that the tongue contains a “restless” fire. It has the power to spread an insatiable flame; one that can incite destruction or life – curse or blessing, praise or perversion. What does this mean? Is this a natural reality, or is it a divine promise to the sons and daughters of God? Furthermore, since the words of one’s mouth contain such a fire, how much power does the tongue really hold?

            Psychology has a lot to say about this Passage. Looking through the lens of psychology, with the tongue, the mind is either persuaded or dissuaded. The direction in which the mind is set enables the individual’s motivations and desires to follow. The tongue, in this way, has the power to inspire direction of thought and aspiration. This being the case, perhaps it is possible that this particular passage reveals a psychological, natural truth about how God has created us.

            There is, on the other hand, another school of thought about the power of the tongue. This interpretation of God’s Word professes that the tongue retains a supernatural fire. Some have gone to the extreme to teach that you can speak things into existence. If you speak something negative or positive over someone, it will supernaturally happen. Some would say the tongue has the power to create and work wonders. Herein, the tongue has spiritual and supernatural influence.

            I propose it may be a combination of both. I believe the Word endeavors to present a balance of these kinds of power. Being that God created the mind, the tongue has the power to influence thought and aspiration – naturally. The tongue, also, has the supernatural ability to affect the hearts of its hearers. With this in mind, I believe it is of extreme importance to watch our words closely. We need to be people of the light – spreading the light of God’s holy fire. Let us keep our words restrained when it will negatively affect those around us. With this in mind, let us loose the tongue’s power to positively share the Truth of the Gospel. As we go about our week, I pray that we will be people of power – speaking life and love.

- Dusty