FIRST GLIMPSE: Just Okay?

“Thank you, Preacher. That was...well, it was okay.”

I couldn’t help but smile at his honesty, so different from all the “Great jobs” and “What a good sermons” I had heard up to that point.

“Just okay?” I replied with a grin.

He ducked his head, embarrassed. “I didn't mean anything bad by that. I just...” His voice trailed off.

“No offense taken. Really! Just glad you were here tonight.”

As he passed through the back doors of the church, I smiled again, this time ruefully. Better than anyone in attendance, I knew the sermon was “just okay,” and that was being generous. I struggled to deliver every word. It wasn’t the text I wanted to share. It didn’t “feel” like a revival sermon. But God had turned my attention to James 3:2-12 time and again. Compelled to speak from that text, I gave it my best shot.

Obviously, he listened. You see, the sermon was about our words as believers (including a healthy emphasis on honesty).

I’m not sure I recall a time when words held such power. In this politically correct, social media-driven world where our lives are lived and spoken publicly for all to see, a single sentence can bring down a company or cause someone to lose a job or get “canceled.” Worse yet, words can tear a family or church apart. Words have been weaponized and sharpened, and when released like deadly arrows, they hold immense power.

That’s why James’ three simple reminders about speech are so important for Christians today to hear and apply.

Little words aren’t so little (James 3:3-5). Have you ever stopped to consider how much small words (four letters or less) shape our lives? Yes or no. I do or I don’t. Stop! Go! James used simple illustrations to demonstrate the power of small words: a horse’s bit, a ship’s rudder, and fire—small things that make a profound difference for good or bad. Thankfully, as Christians, we have the Holy Spirit to help us guard small words with His quiet nudges that remind us to “think twice and talk once” (James 1:18).

Little words carry lasting impact (James 3:6). Like a pebble tossed into a still pond, our words create an ever-widening ripple. We never know how far they may travel. Where will our ripples end? This is especially important for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, pastors, Sunday School teachers, youth workers, and teachers. The next generation will follow our lead and model their speech on what we say, and how we say it.

Our words should be consistent with our “walk” (James 3:8-12), an accurate barometer of our relationship with Christ. We should speak our faith, and then live out that faith. How do we do this? James makes three suggestions:

1. Recognize our inability to control our words and surrender fully to the Holy Spirit’s leading (verse 8).

2. Talk to others remembering they are made in the image of God (verse 9), with all the respect that demands.
   

3. Be consistent in our speech (verses 9-12) as befits a Christian: blessing not cursing; sweet not bitter; producing the fruit of the Spirit rather than wallowing in the weakness of the flesh.
   

Day by day, hour by hour, our words write the book of our lives for others to read, especially those closest to us. Think of your words like a “you-choose-the-ending” story. What will your chapter say tomorrow?

Listen to the Spirit. Talk to others with respect. Make your speech and your life consistently reflect your walk with God. You will have greater impact on everyone around you.

About the Columnist: Eric K. Thomsen is managing editor of ONE Magazine.