James 3:1-18

            {Prayer}

            On July 16, 1945, the first atomic bomb was tested in New Mexico. On that day Robert Oppenheimer, the bomb’s creator, famously quoted an ancient Hindu proverb saying, “I am become death, the destroyer of worlds.” With that testing, the nuclear age had begun, unleashing destruction on an unprecedented scale.

            Yet, long before this, another powerful force was already at work. A force that could and would destroy lives, relationships, and entire communities. That force? The tongue.

            This morning, as part of our sermon series “James: A Manual for Maturity,” we’re looking at James 3, where we see how the tongue can often become “death, the destroyer of worlds.”

            Out of the 108 verses that make up the book of James, 46 verses or 43% of the book address how we use our words. Nearly half of the book has something to say about the verbal bombs we drop. James highlights the destructive power of the tongue again and again.

            We use self-justifying speech, accusing God (1:13). We use flattering speech showing partiality toward the rich (2:3-6). We use careless speech, wishing well toward the poor but not helping them (2:16). We use superficial speech, claiming to have faith (2:16). We use judgmental speech, slandering other people (4:11). We use presumptuous speech, boasting about the future (4:13). We use negative speech, grumbling against others (5:9).

            While these are but a few examples, the most pointed discussion on the tongue comes from James 3. You could argue that James 3 is the most pointed discussion within the whole Bible. So, let’s dig into this.

            James says, “If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a mature man, able to keep his whole body in check” (3:2). Here James reveals the depth of spiritual maturity. If we can control our tongue, we can better control all areas of our life.

Think about someone whose words consistently encourage and uplift others, even in challenging situations. That kind of self-control reflects a heart rooted in Christ. On the other hand, reckless words, whether they are spoken in anger, carelessly, typed on social media, or whispered behind someone’s back, they betray immaturity and can cause significant harm.

This verse challenges us … do our words reflect the maturity of someone growing in Christ? Or do they scatter verbal bombs that damage others and ourselves?

             My tongue directs where I go. James says, “When we put bits into the mouth of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder where they pilot wants to go” (James 3:3-4). Like the bit and the rudder, the tongue may be small, but it directs where we go. A 2,500-pound horse is controlled by a tiny bit, and an enormous ship is steered by a small rudder … both of these examples show the massive impact of something small.

            Our tongue has the same power to steer our lives. If you don’t like the direction your life is going, consider how your words might be guiding you. Change your words, and you might change your course. My tongue directs where I go. And not only does the tongue guide the course of our lives, but it can also wreak havoc if left unchecked.

            My tongue can also destroy what I have. James continues, “Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell” (3:5-6).

            A single spark can ignite a massive wildfire, consuming absolutely everything in its path. We’ve seen this time and time again, and especially more recently with the devasting fires in California around Los Angeles. It only takes a careless word, a cruel remark, a lie, or gossip, to set relationships, families, communities, businesses, and even churches ablaze.

            James is not one to mince words and he doesn’t when he says that the tongue is “set on fire by hell.” The Greek word for hell is Gehenna. Gehenna is also known as the Valley of Hinnom outside of Jerusalem. It was a garbage dump where trash burned continuously. In the Old Testament, it was the place where people would sacrifice children and burn their bodies. The sight and stench were horrific.

            James warns us … When our words are out of control, they become like Gehenna … a putrid, destructive fire that consumes everything in its path.

            My tongue reveals who I am. James says, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be” (3:9-10). In James 1:8 and 4:8 the term “double minded” is used. This double-mindedness, this praising God one moment and tearing down others the next … it reveals a much deeper issue. The problem isn’t just the tongue … it’s the heart. Jesus said in Matthew 12, “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks” (12:34). If our words are angry, bitter, or judgmental … it’s because our hearts are filled with those things. The heart of the problem is not our tongue. The heart of the problem is actually our heart.

            The first person to ever receive a heart transplant was Louis Washkansky of Cape Town, South Africa in December of 1967. He lived for 18 days. The first American to receive a heart transplant was Donald Thomas in January of 1968. He lived for eight months. Even those who receive a heart transplant today end of dying, even it if it years after the surgery.

            But here’s the thing. I know a heart surgeon who guarantees that His work will last forever. He’s competent and kind; trustworthy and true. And did I tell you that He will transplant your heart for free? Totally free. And His office is always open, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

            In Ezekiel 36 God says, “I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” (36:26). A heart of stone is what you and I have. A heart that is hard, unfeeling, and lifeless. A heart of flesh, a heart that is soft, alive, and responsive to God is what God gives to you through Jesus.

            A heart transplant is evasive and expensive. It would be easier if there was just some magic medicine we could take … but that isn’t what we need. We need a heart transplant … this is exactly what Jesus gives us.

            Though a new heart costs us nothing … it cost Jesus everything. He carried the cross to Calvary, endured the whip, the nails, and crown of thorns. He gave His body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins, including the sins of our tongue and as Isaiah says, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth” (53:7).

            Following Jesus’ death and burial … the disciples were silent. They hid out of fear. But after Jesus’ resurrection and upon receiving the Holy Spirit, you couldn’t keep the disciples quiet.

            As we close, I invite you to reflect on this transformation. On your way in this morning, you should have received a stone. That stone isn’t just a symbol of your old heart … it represents the hardness, sin, and struggles we all carry. But Jesus invites you to leave it at the cross, where His grace gives us a new heart, a new life. So, during our hymn of response, I invite you to bring your stone up here and leave it at the foot of the altar. Symbolically surrendering your old heart to God and receiving a new heart, a heart of flesh.

            This heart transplant is God’s work, accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s painless for you, but it’s life-changing. A new heart will transform not only your words, but your whole life, empowering you to speak grace, truth, and love into the lives of others. May God grant us hearts that glorify Him in all we say and do. Amen.

            The peace of God, which surpasses all human understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus now and forever. Amen.