Tag: teachers
Day 4–The Rudder of Your Ship
Scripture reading for April 2: James 3:1-5 “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.”
James is said to write the ‘proverbs’ of the New Testament because he writes with direct and practical wisdom. This dissertation on the tongue was given to warn those in the church that greater judgment comes to those who teach God’s Word. (James 3:1) God holds those who teach to a greater accountability because of the power of words to bring guidance and direction and influence others. Those who teach can also become full of pride and use their tongue to boast and draw attention away from God to themselves. This is how we stumble into Satan’s traps.
James used bridles for horses and our ability to control what comes out of our mouth as an example of how to keep from stumbling or going off course. Bits in the horse’s mouth guide the horse through pressure and even pain causing them to turn as the rider applies the reins. The second example James used was the rudder of a ship. It is a small part of a big ship, but when the pilot moves the rudder, the great ship is guided skillfully along.
This truth is good for us a first responders in several ways. We must be careful with ‘self-talk’ that is negative or defeated. Our mouths need a bit applied to turn away from this mis-direction of our lives. Another application of the ‘rudder’ is choosing our words carefully as we to talk to others or about others concerning our work. Gossip and spreading of details of our work, or making fun of someone needs quick reining in.
Prayer: Father God, forgive me when I have neglected to use the rudder to steer my mouth. Help me to use my words to direct my own life in Your path and to show grace and respect to others You love. Amen.
Taming the tongue!
Scripture reading for October 7th: James 3
Key Scriptures: James 3:5-8 “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”
James understood the power of the tongue. He instructed the church in helping to bring the tongue under God’s control. Just as a bit is placed in the horse’s mouth to bring the beast under control of the rider, so we need a bridle on our tongues. A ship is a large vessel but it is guided through the waters by a small rudder. Our tongues can only successfully guide us if they are under the control of the Holy Spirit. But the untamed tongue is like a fire that can quickly spread to set on fire a whole forest or a deadly poison that poisons all it touches. Behind this untamed tongue is the fire of hell itself, says James. The deadly poison is hatred, envy, jealousy, partiality, cursing and strife. Human effort has tamed every bird and beast, but not this small entity called the tongue. Only God can bring it under control and use it to bless others and guide us through life.
James 3:9-10 “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”
Faith confession and prayer: Father God, forgive me for the fires I have ignited by speaking unadvisedly and hastily. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and use me to be a blessing in my worship of You and my ministry of teaching Your Word to others. I realize the great responsibility and stricter judgment that comes from teaching Your Word.
James 3:1 “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”
Thankful for devoted teachers!
Scripture reading for May 5th: Ezra 4-7
Key Scriptures: Ezra 7:9-10 “He (Ezra) had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”
Ezra, the priest, was a devoted student and teacher of God’s Law. He also diligently observed it as part of his teaching, setting a good example. As a result, God’s hand was upon him and he was called by God to return from Babylon and assist in the rebuilding of the temple of the Lord.
Thankful for diligent teachers: “And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2nd Timothy 2:24-26)