Word@Work James48 - James 5:12
Published: Mon, 04/20/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
SUFFERING WITHOUT SWEARING
James 5:12 Above all, my brothers, do not swear--not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No", no, or you will be condemned. (NIV)
James has been encouraging the Christian to be patient; trusting Christ and waiting until His will is done (cf James 5:7-11). Now he looks for evidence of a quiet heart that is confident of God's mercy and grace. The impatient, untrusting or frustrated person may lash out physically when life does not go according to their plan, but more often they lash out with words - swear words. James says that swearing, which takes God's Name in vain or trivialises something sacred, is not right. Jesus said the same in Matthew 5:34-36. How we use our words, in a crisis, shows how much we trust the Lord.
Words are very powerful, they are designed that way. It was with words that God created the heavens and the earth; with words Jesus dismissed demons, healed the sick and taught with authority. With words, the church has announced the life changing message of Jesus Christ which has transformed the hearts and homes of many millions through 2000 years. Words which have God's authority always achieve their intended effect; while untrue words lead to disappointment, despair and destruction (if they are believed). But to trivialise important words, in the heat of frustration or other bad emotion, is more foolish than wearing a wedding dress while gardening, or a white dinner jacket for repairing the car.
Most English swear words are about Father God, Jesus and his death, heaven and hell, or sex (a special gift to humanity). Those who abuse these words show that they have little love for God, the Passion of Jesus, the final judgement or His special gifts. James repeats what Jesus said: words should be used to say simply what you mean - and not more. If you mean yes, say 'yes'. If you mean no, say 'no'. Jesus went on to say that 'anything beyond this comes from the Evil One' (cf Matt 5:37). No wonder that James says that swearing brings God's condemnation - it is devil-motivated and an inbuilt temptation to despise what is important to God. Although some may say that it does not mean anything, and everybody speaks like that at work - Christians should not swear. It may need several weeks of discipline to get out of a bad habit, but the first step is to recognise that it is a bad habit - and decide that your mouth-style needs to change, with God's help.
Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank for Your Word which clearly says that swearing is not right. Help me to desire to please you in all that I say, and to honour You by treating words which are special to Your purposes with respect. Forgive me for making light of serious words, and change my heart to want to speak clearly, without duplicity or needing to boost my weakness by swearing. For Jesus' Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
James has been encouraging the Christian to be patient; trusting Christ and waiting until His will is done (cf James 5:7-11). Now he looks for evidence of a quiet heart that is confident of God's mercy and grace. The impatient, untrusting or frustrated person may lash out physically when life does not go according to their plan, but more often they lash out with words - swear words. James says that swearing, which takes God's Name in vain or trivialises something sacred, is not right. Jesus said the same in Matthew 5:34-36. How we use our words, in a crisis, shows how much we trust the Lord.
Words are very powerful, they are designed that way. It was with words that God created the heavens and the earth; with words Jesus dismissed demons, healed the sick and taught with authority. With words, the church has announced the life changing message of Jesus Christ which has transformed the hearts and homes of many millions through 2000 years. Words which have God's authority always achieve their intended effect; while untrue words lead to disappointment, despair and destruction (if they are believed). But to trivialise important words, in the heat of frustration or other bad emotion, is more foolish than wearing a wedding dress while gardening, or a white dinner jacket for repairing the car.
Most English swear words are about Father God, Jesus and his death, heaven and hell, or sex (a special gift to humanity). Those who abuse these words show that they have little love for God, the Passion of Jesus, the final judgement or His special gifts. James repeats what Jesus said: words should be used to say simply what you mean - and not more. If you mean yes, say 'yes'. If you mean no, say 'no'. Jesus went on to say that 'anything beyond this comes from the Evil One' (cf Matt 5:37). No wonder that James says that swearing brings God's condemnation - it is devil-motivated and an inbuilt temptation to despise what is important to God. Although some may say that it does not mean anything, and everybody speaks like that at work - Christians should not swear. It may need several weeks of discipline to get out of a bad habit, but the first step is to recognise that it is a bad habit - and decide that your mouth-style needs to change, with God's help.
Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank for Your Word which clearly says that swearing is not right. Help me to desire to please you in all that I say, and to honour You by treating words which are special to Your purposes with respect. Forgive me for making light of serious words, and change my heart to want to speak clearly, without duplicity or needing to boost my weakness by swearing. For Jesus' Christ's sake. Amen.
Why not share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email
If you value your free Word@Work, click here to make a donation
which will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
which will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
Your next Word@Work will be sent on
All the 'back copies' for this series, and the series in Mark and Ephesians can be found on www.beaconlight.co.uk/email
W@WJames48 | Word@Work © Dr Paul Adams 2009 | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk