DECEMBER 16 – Reading 350

by Chris Rainey | December 16

“TONGUE TIED?”
( James 1:1 – 5:20)

Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. . . . All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. – James 3:5,8

“In China, he said, “If you’re quiet, you’re seen as being wise. It’s completely different here. Here [in America] people like to speak out. Even if they have an idea, not completely mature yet, people still speak out. If I could be better in communication, my work would be much more recognized. Even though my manager appreciates me, he still doesn’t know I have done work so wonderful.” – Chinese software engineer quoted in Susan Cain, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, 194

I am an introvert. This means I prefer solitude and internal thoughts to socializing and external stimulation. I prefer one-on-one or small, familiar groups to large groups and meeting new people. I prefer to process my thoughts and form an opinion before I speak about something, as opposed to extroverts who talk through ideas to process them. I prefer quiet over noise. One out of every 2-3 people you meet in the world are like me–introverts. And yes, I often struggle with small talk (see yesterday’s devotion) and am working at developing that skill.

Today’s text on taming the tongue is honestly not one of those areas I struggle with. I am unlikely to set things on fire with what I say. I struggle to speak up, to say kind things, to bless people with my words. I’m reluctant to verbalize.. But if you take our Chinese friend above at face value, he’d say our country has a definite bias toward the talkers in the workplace, the talking heads on news programs, the screaming activists, and the most extreme opinions on social media who profit immensely from starting verbal firestorms. Yes, the tongue can be weaponized to hurt others immensely.

“From the same mouth comes blessing and cursing.” (5:10). If you’re an introvert, maybe it’s time to grow and use your tongue to bless others a little more. And if you’re an extrovert, you’re more likely to need to dial back on the damage your tongue can do.  Some of us need to grow beyond being tongue tied, and others may need their tongues tied.

Application:
Being an introvert or extrovert is neither right nor wrong. It is the way we are made. If you are not aware of which one you are, it would be helpful to take an online assessment to determine your preference. I was a pastor many years before I understood why social situations affected me the way they did as an introvert.

Reflection:
One of the curious things about our American sports culture is that many people are paid a lot of money to criticize other people’s job performance. Other professions have paid critics as well. The Christian community should be one of verbal encouragement.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the wisdom in James on the tongue’s power. Help us control the fire of our words. Grant introverts courage to speak blessing, and extroverts restraint to avoid hurtful, reckless, or extreme speech. May our church community be known for encouragement, using our words to build one another up in Christ. Amen.