James 1:26 “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.”

Oh my, these are not words that people in 2020 want to hear or obey. Everyone has an opinion, and everyone is spouting it on social media and other places. And sadly, if you agree to disagree, you are labeled a hater. Anything or anyone that looks different than the mainstream agenda and the actions of this fallen world is taken as a threat and as hate.

People feel free to express themselves however they choose, and for the world, it is to be expected, but not for the church, not for true believers and followers of Jesus. Now everyone sends out their messages, via social media, their thoughts on any given subject known. And the content of their hearts has been displayed for all to see. Arguments have ensued, making their point known, and criticizing any who disagree. There seems to be little love left for them. They have taken up the banner for the world and forgotten that they are supposed to be a “light in the darkness,” “set apart,” “a city on a hill,” “peacemakers,” “lovers of people,” and the list goes on. We Christians are to hold no other banner high but that of Jesus Christ! If you say you are a Christian, you are labeled a hater.

Somehow people think that because they did not physically speak the words that it does not relate to their tongues, I dare say they are mistaken. It is a form of their tongue voiced in a manner that seems safe because they are hiding behind keystrokes. Social media is now the platform to spread hate, unkindness, lewdness, and all sorts of things unholy.

I have been shocked by some of the stuff that has appeared on my friend’s pages, even ashamed of and for them. They seem to have forgotten who and whose they are and how they should conduct themselves at all times. When you can put on your Sunday best, post pictures and videos of yourself having church (watching on a screen, because of COVID,) and in the next moment post profanity and ugliness. I ask: How? Why? What are you thinking?

The scripture above should scare anyone who practices such behavior. It clearly states that if a person who says they are religious does not keep a tight reign on their tongue their religion/testimony is worthless. Should those words not jar someone into repentance? We are never given the liberty to run our mouths, call people names, spew unkindness, or any such thing, at any time, for any reason. We are to be peacemakers, lovers of others, kind, trustworthy, helpful, spreaders of the gospel, but not imitators of the world. When you have stopped looking like Christ and started looking and sounding like the world, you need to check your heart. There is a stench coming from you.

People need bridles. They need to allow themselves to be led by the Holy Spirit in all things, actions, words, what they post on social media. Our words, whether spoken verbally or written down, reflect our hearts and our attitude towards God and man. If you are looking and sounding like this filthy godless world you need to hit your knees in repentance.

James 1:19-22 “My dear brothers take note of this: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Wow! Are you being deceived? Do you think you belong to Christ, yet in your heart of hearts where it matters, you do not? Each of us needs to take a long hard look at what is captivating our hearts, our minds, our time. We need to think before we speak or type. We need to remember that we are the church, the body of Christ; we ARE or should be a PECULIAR people. (1 Peter 2:9)

We are to spread the gospel, the good news. We are to be examples of Christ’s likeness. We are to be the difference, loving God, and loving people. We are to live holy and righteous lives remembering that the Lord is always with us, always watching, hearing, and seeing. Nothing we do or say is hidden from Him. That should make you have a holy fear and make you change your behavior.

I believe we are in the last days; how long they will last, I do not know. I know what you are thinking, I have heard that said for years, but one day, it will be true; He will return, and the world will have lost its chance. We need to live each day as though it were our last. I would hate to think the last thing I said or did was to be unkind, unforgiving, vulgar, etc.

Bridle your tongue, check your heart, walk in a manner worthy. Remember that you are a child of God, an ambassador to the world on His behalf. What you say, what you do, what you type and post matters. People are seeing, hearing, and many are leaving with a sour taste in their mouths for Christianity. How very sad. One day you will stand before God; you will give an account for every word spoken or written, everything laid bare.

I pray that you take a long hard look inside today. Get it settled with the Lord. Stop giving excuses for bad behavior and start being that light in the darkness.