“You’re deceived. You think you’re a Christian, but your religion is worthless!” That would be quite an affronting attack to hear. Something a non-believer might hurl at us as an insult. However, what would you say if this was said to you by a fellow believer? And not just any fellow believer, but James, the brother of Jesus. That’s crazy. What would make James say this to you? One thing: an inability to control your tongue. “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless” (James 1:26). What does he mean? This is a serious accusation. He explains: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (James 1:19-20). When last did you lose your temper? Say something hurtful? This is not just an anger issue; it’s a worthless religion issue. Why? Because real religion is about caring for “orphans and widows” and keeping yourself “from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27), and that starts with how we speak to one another. (Craig B) Open Bible – bit.ly/Jam1v19-27
