Rev. Don Campbell
James 1-5
THOUGHT FOR TODAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019
“WORTHLESS RELIGION”
As lawsuits from the left and from the right are filed, courts at every level are challenged to interpret the Free-speech clause of the First Amendment. Christians should not look to the courts to determine how we speak, because the courts could prohibit what God demands and allow what God prohibits. Before we exercise our civil right to speak, we should hear James: “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless” (Jam 1:26). “And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:6-8).
In an atmosphere of acrimony, where insult is traded for insult by those occupying or vying for the highest offices of the land, and partisans are cheering the insults, joining in the acrimony, even suggesting that armed rebellion is on the horizon if their party does not win, true believers need to arm themselves with the mind of Christ: “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:22-23).
Our speech should pass five tests. If it does not pass these test the words should not pass our lips.
1. The grace test: “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6).
2. The truth test: “He who would love life and see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit (1 Peter 3:10).
3. The defamation test: “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men” (Titus 3:1-2).
4. The contemplation test: “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:18-20).
5. The self-restraint test: “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent” (Proverbs 17:27-28).
CONNECTIONS
1. Alexander Campbell said, “Truth has argument; and error, vituperation and anathema for its defense. The only legitimate defense of truth is argument; and while our opposers rely upon slanders, reproaches, and anathemas, we must rely upon the records of truth, and that reason which is the strength of man” (Millennial Harbinger, Jan 3, 1837, preface). Is it because there is so little truth today in the political arena that there is so much vituperation and anathema?
2. We often hear, “It’s just politics.” If bitter, abusive language (vituperation) is the language of politics, do Christians need to get on either side’s bandwagon, cheering the sewage they spew?
