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Written by Mark Brazee

"Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze" (James 3:5 AMP).

James is saying that just as a spark can set a forest ablaze to destroy it or set a fire ablaze to keep us warm, we can use our tongues to destroy ourselves or to make ourselves victorious.

Our words will make us or break us. If we allow our tongues to speak words of complaining and doubt, they will defeat us every time. But when we line up our words with God's Word, our tongues will put us over every time—no matter what comes against us.

Sometimes Christians are the most negative people in the world. Many say things like, "I'm just an unworthy worm," or "Here I wander like a beggar through the heat and the cold."

We used to think we were being humble and spiritual when we talked like that. But what we thought was humility was really spiritual pride.

To be spiritual is to line up with God's Word. True humility is admitting that God knows more than we do. True humility says, "I don't feel worthy or righteous. But, Lord, if You said I'm the righteousness of God in Christ, then I must be. I'm going to humble myself to Your Word and believe what You said, no matter what I feel" (Rom. 3:22).

James said we can use our tongues to light a warm fire or to set a forest ablaze. Personally, I prefer that my spark set a fire to warm me rather than to destroy the "forests" of God's blessings in my life. So I've made a decision: I'm lining up my words with the Word of God!

Confession:
I find out what God says and fill my mouth with His Word.
My words add healing, comfort and joy to my life.
God's Word is working mightily in me right now!

Source: 365 Days of Healing by Mark Brazee
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers