James 3:2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

This is a sticky verse for me, because I am very much a man of words, and I am very aware that I am not perfect. The verses following talk about how the tongue, that is, speech, seems small but has an outsized influence, and the verse ahead of this warns that teachers will be “judged more severely.” As someone with Teacher gifting who has lived as a teacher most of my life, that seems dangerous indeed! At the same time, we see examples all around us of people who have violated the trust given them as teachers, teaching vile things and doing great damage to individuals and to society as a whole. The majority of teachers are doubtless sincere and conscientious, but the ones who have perverted minds tend to stand out, and they certainly cause a lot of damage. This applies also to people who might not have the title of teacher, but who have influence over others. There is even a fresh category of people, “social media influencers,” and they come under the warnings in this chapter as well. The thing is, we all influence others to at least some degree, and we should seek to influence them toward good and toward God at all times. That focus needs to be both automatic and intentional. We should intend to do it so consistently that it becomes automatic! Sadly, as this verse says, we all stumble in many ways. The only answer is honest humility, asking God for His help and guidance and asking Him, and those we hurt, for forgiveness when it is called for.

As I said at the outset, this applies to me in spades. I have been aware of the influence I exert for most of my life. A major reason I am a tea totaler is that if people see me drinking, much less drunk, they would think it was fine for them as well. That has also extended to my speech patterns, thankfully. I never knowingly lie. For one thing, covering up for past lies is far too much work! A bigger factor is that when Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life,” (John 14:6) I would be unfaithful to Him to speak other than truth. At the same time, I am sharply aware that my words can be very hurtful. Just because something isn’t untrue doesn’t mean it’s right! As Paul said, I need to speak the truth in love, (Ephesians 4:15) so that my words my build people up and not tear them down. That doesn’t mean I’m never to speak strongly or that I’m not to correct people; that would be a violation of my calling as a teacher. However, my words should be gifts, drawing people to God and causing them to love and appreciate Him.

Father, thank You for this clear reminder. Thank You for Your patience with me over the years, with my many stumbles. Help me live out each day as You desire, speaking Your words in Your wisdom and love, so that people may be drawn to repentance and faith for their salvation, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!