Open Mouth, Insert Foot

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.  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 3:1-2

Many Jews who were believing in Christ under the preaching of James decided to become teachers of the gospel.  James warned them to slow down and consider the cost because a teacher or preacher of the gospel is held to a higher standard due to his or her responsibility to be accurate and truthful with their words.  It is a fearful thing to stand before people and proclaim the scriptures, not necessarily because one’s audience may be hostile to the gospel, but the greater risk is to preach or teach error.  It is dangerous to mislead folks when it comes to their understanding of who God is and what He requires of us.  In the first century, there were plenty of false teachers that only brought confusion and doubt, and nothing has changed in today’s world which makes the devil happy.  He is the father of lies (John 8:44) and enjoys when God’s people are deceived by false doctrine.

James favored a few good teachers rather than a huge number of them, and among the many were those who really just wanted to make a name for themselves.  I suppose the old saying, “Too many chiefs and not enough Indians” could have described James’ exhortation.  He went on to say that if anyone could manage to never offend anyone with their words, he or she would be perfect and able to control effectively every aspect of life.  Other than Jesus, there has never been anyone on earth who could accomplish that.  Like the pastor said in his sermon on the ninth commandment on Sunday, anyone who says that he or she has never, ever told a lie just did.

I, like everyone else that I have ever known, have “stuck my foot in my mouth” more times than I care to admit.  But when it comes to sharing the scriptures, I want to be sure that I don’t mislead someone.  The only way that can be accomplished is by diligent study of God’s word and praying to the Lord that one’s words will be truthful and edifying to his or her listeners.  Most times, we don’t mean to offend folks, but sometimes they take what we say the wrong way and become offended.  While our aim is not to offend, sometimes it can’t be helped when being honest and truthful in our attempt to present the scriptures in an open and honest but loving way.  If they experience offense, it could be the Holy Spirit bringing conviction upon sinful hearts.  Some folks have known to have been rather obnoxious in their witnessing to others, and this could drive a person further from the gospel than toward it.  On the other hand, we should never “sugar coat” someone’s sin and not be honest with them.  Eternity lies in the balance.