"For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body."
James 3:2
Part 2
Yesterday:
“For in many things we offend all.”
As believers here on earth, we still drag around the “old man.” We are not free from sin yet, as one day we will be.
“If any man offend not in word.”
It is so easy to say the wrong thing and get tripped up in our words! Lord, please help us here!
Today:
“The same is a perfect man.”
James sets up an “if-then”[1] scenario to understand what he is saying. Yesterday we saw the “if” part. “If any man offend not in word.” What he is saying is, “for the sake of argument, let’s say there is a man who does not get tripped up with his words.” It is not in our human experience to know someone who never makes a mistake with their speech, but if it were true.” “‘Then,’ the same is a perfect man.” He is mature and wise and has his mouth under control.
One of the first places that our maturity or immaturity shows up is how and what we say. Our tongues reveal what is in our hearts. When those words “slip out,” that is not an accident; it is what is in our heart bubbling up to the surface, it is what we are really like, our true selves.
Believers, one of God’s goals for us, is our growth. He desires that we grow and mature so that we may glorify Him with our lives.
“But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:4).
“Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:21).
“And able also to bridle the whole body.”
This “person” that James is talking about not only has his speech harnessed, but also his “whole body.” He is not living “out of control,” but he is very much “in control” of himself through the Spirit. He handles life in the way that honors His Lord. Maturity is seen in all parts of his life.
Learning and growing in self-control is every believer’s duty.
“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11).
We must learn what to stay away from (abstain), the hurtful things, and what things will destroy our testimony for the Lord. Paul said,
“But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27).
Believers, how are we doing with our words? They will tell on us! Lord, help us glorify You in our thoughts and in our talk!
Quote: “The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself” (Ecclesiastes 10:12).
[1] A first-class condition.