Be a Smokey the Bear

“The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark” James3:5 (NIV)

I have heard it said that there are two types of people. Those who carry a bucket of water, and those who carry a bucket of gasoline.

When a bad issue comes up, a juicy piece of gossip, a complaint or criticism about someone, there are those who pour water on it to help protect others and squelch it. And there are those who pour gas on it to keep it going and make it grow into destruction.

Our words effect lives. They can cause major damage, or can breathe much needed life, hope and  encouragement into others.

I learned as a kid that messing around with gasoline can literally backfire on you. The warning throughout James 3 is that it WILL backfire, and burn up your insides as you damage others.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, remind me to confess and start over when I pour gas on situations. Help me to pour water to protect and uplift others with my words. Thank You for the great blessings that will follow. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Leave a Reply