We’re about at the midpoint of the fall semester, and it’s been really good. Our classes on Wednesday nights have been great and attendance on the weekends has been great. Our church continues to grow numerically, but also spiritually too. We strive for more and more people to be growing spiritually.

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Speaking of growing spiritually, we have on Sunday morning, run across James’ words on spiritual maturity. James says, “Not many should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment, 2 for we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body.” James 3.1-2

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James' words about spiritual maturity should not be lost on us. James says that one’s ability to control his or her tongue is tantamount to spiritual maturity! In fact, in most translations, he uses the word “perfect.” In other words, in our quest to be the best we can be, we can achieve more through control of our tongue than any other area of our life. You can do more good with your words than almost anything else, and of course the opposite is also true. You can do more damage and undo more good with your tongue than anything else!

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This brings with it a great responsibility, especially for leaders, teachers, and those who govern the congregation. As teachers [leaders] “bridling the tongue” is a must. James says they will be judged with a higher degree of responsibility than anyone else.

James says these things under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This is not just his opinion. At the same time, this is not up for debate or left to my opinion or your opinion. These are words we must take to heart. Controlling the tongue is not something we can just work on, but something we must accomplish, and as we do that it brings a great blessing to the congregation of God’s people (any congregation) and also to our individual families, where we work, and where we live!

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Hope to see you Sunday!

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jlk