Self-Awareness
James 3:2 NIVWe 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.
My background is in business; with that I have appreciation for marketing, in particular taglines. Many of us recognize products by the tagline. For example when you hear the tagline "Run for the border" you think of Taco Bell. Here is a tagline you will recognize "Virginia is for lovers".
A past Governor of Kentucky developed the tagline "Unbridled Spirit" for his state. When I first heard the tagline I was really impressed. 'How clever' I thought. The state even painted the side of its new state police cars with a blue air brushed horse head with a mane flowing in the wind. The flowing mane transitioned into flames. This whole image started at the front door and continued all the way to the rear quarter panel of the police car. It is a very flashy look with the tagline "Unbridle Spirit" printed in bold.
So I have taken some time to reflect on this term unbridled. And I have personally learned a lesson from this examination.
First I must say that I realize that I am no one special - I'm not a perfect person, I do things that I shouldn't, but I continue to learn. And if I have to go though a realization in my own character flaws -- I don't want to go it alone so I'm taking you in with me.
The scene of unbridled horses running on farms is certainly one of God's most beautiful pieces of handy work. But an unbridled man or woman is a sight.
So If I could remove a part of myself and sit on the sideline, observing myself, this is what I would record in my lab notes. Observing the unbridled in action, you get the distinct impression of the lack of training or instruction. The unbridled are persons who were allowed to develop without a built-in governor or off button, not just on the tongue but the whole mind and body. And it is not just about evil speech it is also about idle chatter, opinions and actions.
From research - Experts have written that the unbridled are comfortable with expressing themselves beyond the boundaries that contain people with understanding and instruction. Unchecked the unbridled overstep the comfort zones of people around them. The unbridled assume that the people around them are caught up in the same exuberance when in reality caution is warranted. Experts continue the observation with: Actually the people around the unbridled expect order and quiet competence. Sometimes the unbridled interpret the reserve of others as their own failure to please or make their point and they ratchet up the behavior.
So what have I taken away from this study - I need self-awareness to tone down and mute the unbridled behavior, I need to be able to see myself as other see me - a difficult thing to do.
The conclusion: The trick for the unbridled is to harness their unbridled spirit - but not to squash it. I need to move from out of bounds to aligning with bible teaching and using a bridled spirit in imitating Christ's example.
Let us petition the Lord for help.
1. Jesus knew that where there are many words, transgressions are unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. The Lord Jesus used few words, but chose them carefully. Lord help us weigh our words carefully so as to speak as you would speak Lord.
2. Be concise, use fewer words to express ideas. Jesus taught us how to pray in clear, concise and Spirit led speech. "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matt. 6:9) Lord Jesus help us follow the patterns of speech that are sure to be blessed by our Father in heaven.
3. Jesus knew that people who do not keep a reign on their tongue risk destroying their own credibility. The Lord knew that James would write, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." (James 1:26) Lord bridle our tongues even when our emotions seem to be out of control.
4. Jesus knew how damaging thoughtless words can be. The Lord Jesus was mindful of Proverbs 12:18 which says, "Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal." Lord to let us be more of a healer and less reckless with our speech, conversation and teaching.
5. Jesus knew the power of kind words and the destructive impact of cruel speech. The Lord Jesus was mindful of Proverbs 15:4 which says, "Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit." Lord to help us to be a little kinder, be a little blinder to the faults of those of others and to praise a little more."
6. Jesus knew the His brother James would write, "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 3:2) The Lord Jesus was the only man who constantly controlled His speech. Lord help us model your conversations after the pattern of the Master. Help us keep our whole body in check. Lord please grant us these heart felt petitions in your son's name.
None of us reading this is the perfect man. The point to James 3:2 is that we must go on learning and applying. Consider this lesson. For some it begins with applying this lesson from God's word. For others the beginning of self control, understanding and self awareness is to start holding God in awe. Combined with a response to his son's invitation of baptism for the forgiveness of sin and starting a new life in Christ.
Contributors: Indiucky; Paul Fritz