In the world but not of the world...

The visiting pastor last week said that the book of James was a bit like an MOT. Because you know your car is going to be judged you are prompted to check all its parts are in order and put it in order.

The part that James 3 exhorts us to put right is the tongue

5 Likewise, 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. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 

 I feel like I understand that I should be honest and not gossip. Since becoming a Christian I have accepted that my tendency to gossip has been a thorn in my side that I daily bring to the Lord.   But what I really struggle most with is talking to non Christians. I can tell a Christian friend something and I know we will see it the same way. If I tell her someone is struggling, she will pray for them and find ways to support and encourage. But other colleagues, even lovely people sometimes seem to take my words and seize on them for their own purposes. I guess just writing this down has shown me the answer. Once again the gift I most need is that of discernment.

I wrote this before I read Michelle's blog on being a living sacrifice and I feel so encouraged by her words. I pray that this week I may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.

linking up with Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday