I never tire of witnessing the awe-inspiring beauty of God’s creation. The God-painted colors in this Vermont forest are truly breathtaking. With this pure beauty in mind, it truly saddens me to think of the wildfires ravaging thousands of acres on the west coast. Not only are the forests devastated, but the human and wildlife toll is immeasurable. These horrific fires start many times by a single spark.
Similarly, for us, often-times a small action has huge consequences. James, Jesus’ brother, writes in James 3:5-7 (NIV): “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire…It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell… (The tongue) is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”
Flip Wilson‘s famous words “the devil made me do it” apply here. The devil, working on us, causes us to say things that we regret; hurtful things. James continues in verse 10: “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing, My brothers, this should not be”.
Ill-spoken words, spontaneous words of anger, have long-lasting negative effects on relationships, families, friendships, and even countries. Fight the devil; slow down, breathe deeply, and think before speaking. Avoid the figurative spark that can burn an entire forest.
I Found Him…on a beautiful fall day in Vermont.