Speech and Spiritual Maturity

2 Kings 17; 2 Chronicles 28; Psalms 46; James 3 

“Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.”

James 3:1, 2

In the church, presumptuous leadership based on natural gifting is a dangerous situation. Presuming we have something to teach others when the character of our lives and relationships does not yet line up with the ways of God’s kingdom puts both ourselves and those we are leading at risk of falling. The grace of God is given in our humility and weakness when our full dependence is on the Lord. God’s ‘School of the Spirit’ for Jesus required many years in a wood shop learning obedience. Paul’s journey included many years of preparation and discipleship, out of the public ministry. Our gifts and calling must be discerned by the Church; the timing is as important as the call. It is often what we don’t speak, rather than glib speech, which reflects maturity.

“Lord Jesus, I offer my tongue to you as an instrument of righteousness, for your glory.”