Articles
Do We Strive to Build or Destroy
A child can spend a long time building the most intricate tower out of blocks, only to have it knocked down in a matter of seconds by another. People can be built up and destroyed in the same way as the tower. Countless hours can be spent trying to build another person up in compassion. Only to then have another person come along and crush their self-esteem in a manner of time that seems effortless. Looking reflectively at our interactions with others, some of us are more talented at either building or destroying. Proverbs 12:18 (NIV) says, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” When we are going about our daily lives in the world as children of God, are we bringing others to the healing power of Christ? Or, are we sending them into the destroying snare of the devil?
Proverbs 16:27 explains that words coming from a scoundrel are like a scorching fire. When humans speak fiery words they expect that only the other person will be burned, but this is not true because they are the ones “playing with fire.” When the adrenaline of passion dies down, fiery words will tend to cause undesired spiritual, emotional, and physical consequences. Even if a fire does end up being put out, hot coals and embers can still remain. This is the reason why campers are told not to cover their embers, but simply leave it open in its fire pit. If covered over on a beach, these embers can burn the feet of unsuspecting visitors. However, in the woods, it could spark a whole forest fire.
The first few verses of chapter three in the book of James establish that the tongue can be used as a tool for direction, much like a rudder is for a ship. This why the latter half of James 3:5 warns about how a spark can cause a forest fire. A simple miscalculation could set our lives ablaze in unintended and unforeseen ways. However, humans aren’t perfect and mistakes may happen. During a vision, the prophet Isaiah proclaims in Isaiah 6:5 (ESV), “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” In response to Isaiah’s sin, God sent an angel down to purify Isaiah’s lips with a righteously hot coal. Despite being a sinner, God had use for Isaiah. Even though mankind are sinners, God has use for us too. God has such compassion for you that He sent His only son to die so that you could be loved and proper for all eternity in Heaven. The question is: Will you turn to God and display to others the healing compassion that He has shown you?
