365 Reflections

The Book of Proverbs deals quite heavily with the mouth and the instruction continues in Chapter 18.  Proverbs 18:1–2 (ESV) Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. 2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. Consider the source of foolish speech mentioned in this passage: Isolation. The implication is the more we are isolated the more we are given over to our own ridiculous notions. Humans are communal creatures and our growth comes from a connection to others. So it should be obvious that the opposite of communion will contradict our very humanness. When we are left to our own thoughts trouble begins. Perhaps this is why the post-pandemic mental health crisis is upon us. Lump global isolating lockdowns into an already isolating culture of personal "communication" devices such as phones and what did you expect? We are at this point a global self-isolating community expressing our opinions wi...

There can be no doubt Jesus spent a lot of time talking about how we talk.  He made it clear, the most dangerous element of the Pharisees was their teaching.  They taught what they didn't practice. They taught men burdensome things.  While they were unwilling to help anyone do them. In Luke 12, Jesus goes on a long discourse concerning the tongue. Some of the scariest verses of scriptures are found here: Luke 12:2–3 (ESV) Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops. And then just a few verses later: Luke 12:8–10 (ESV) “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, 9 but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. 10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son ...

I'm not going to pretend, this verse is for me.  In fact, I downright need this more than anyone. James 5:9 (ESV) Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. James is talking about the return of the Lord. In the same paragraph he turns our attention to how we talk to our brothers and sisters.  James is talking to persecuted Christians experiencing trials of various kinds.  And when the pressure of life is on we all tend to let it fly against those who are closest to us.  For Christians, it can seem tougher to do life in this culture, to know we aren't home, and to be frustrated with the world and ourselves as we see our own fleshliness make an appearance on occasion.   But we must soberly remember the judgment that awaits us.  Judgment is not only reserved for those sinners "over there." James makes it clear, our judgment is coming as well.  Not between heaven and he...