From The Pastor's Pen - 5/5/14

“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous, not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise, blessing; know that you are thereunto called that you shall inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile” (1 Peter 3:8-10 AKJ).

Although the main subject that Peter is addressing here is husbands and wives, that Kingdom Principle applies in every other area, relationship, and interaction among believers. Clearly, to be of one mind, implies agreement, accord, and unity, a condition which could never exist between believer and unbeliever; and in reality, is far too often missing among believers, to our detriment and defeat. Therefore, we need to understand how it operates.

The Apostle James takes this scriptural truth a step further, in James 3:2-8, illustrating for his readers, and us, how mankind has learned to control horses with a bit (v. 3), as well as, great ships, which may be properly steered, and guided by the governor or helmsman (v. 4 AMP). But James knows that these were merely analogies in the natural order, or realm, pointing to the greater spiritual truth which he was attempting to convey. That our spoken words are able to create, or ravage and destroy. Simply put, our tongue, when left unchecked, may in fact, incite unintended, spiritual divisions and brush-fires. And, aside from the obvious, personal problems, it may create divisions within the church, and has often been the historical cause of simple, or serious misunderstandings, and even wars, between nations. Yet, James doesn't stop there, but rather goes on to call the tongue, not only a fire, but a world of iniquity, defiling our whole body; and set on fire, or ignited of hell.

And, then, in verse 7, making the point that mankind has tamed all beasts, birds, serpents, and even things of the sea; he then goes on to present, what appears, in the next verse, to be the definitive statement on the matter, writing; “But the tongue can no man tame...”

So, if it can't be done, what's the point?

Take note here, that James is not saying that it can't be done, but rather, that carnal men (and women), are not capable of succeeding in our own power, or natural ability. After all, Jesus Himself declared of believers in John 14:12, that, the works which He did, we shall do also... and the whole council of the scriptures, clearly teach, that the choice is ours! (Deut. 30:19)

Like Jesus, our total victory under the New Covenant is solely dependent upon our proper, unwavering connection, and relationship to the Holy Spirit. Don't assume that man-made doctrine has all the answers in regard to the Holy Ghost, the third person of the Godhead. Rather, search the scriptures for yourself. There are no short cuts to the truth!

We invite questions and comments in regard to this column which you may address to John Knox at johnkknox@windstream.net.

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask” (Luke 11:13 AKJ).