Hold Your Tongue

March 31, 2020

“No one gains ground when everyone’s slinging mud.” I don’t know where I first heard that (or variation of it), but it’s important to remember. With nonstop news channels breathlessly airing the latest on COVID-19 every hour of the day, it’s inevitable that either the media itself, someone in state or national government, or some self-proclaimed Hollywood type will tell us whose fault all this is. It doesn’t matter whether one is on the right, left, or somewhere in between, it seems people are looking for some political person to blame.

It’s the rare person who doesn’t get caught up in one way or another. Even if we don’t join in the mud-slinging, we take private glee at the jabs against those on the other side, and hold righteous indignation at those that land in our camp. 

Having finished reading through the Gospels yesterday, I was somewhat at a loss as to where to begin reading in my daily devotions. I settled on James. I like the name. That ancient James had a few things to say to this modern (yes, that’s me!) James.

“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” —James 3:9-10 NIV

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” —James 1:26-27 NIV

It’s always easier to criticize than to create. In some perverse and twisted reasoning, we assume that criticizing is actually helpful. It isn’t. Years ago, John Maxwell talked of how he handled criticism. If someone had a complaint, he would listen only if they would also present an alternative plan. Without it, he deemed the complaint unworthy of his time and attention. I think he was on to something there. I realize that not everyone who is in a position to make decisions will always make the best ones. Some people in places of power are truly evil. Some are clueless, and some are simply too arrogant to receive counsel. 

One thing I’m learning through all this COVID-19 business is that I know next to nothing about this disease. My first instinct was mistrust. Our media has for so long cried wolf over every little blip on the radar that I tend to take their warnings with a grain of salt. But...believe it or not, I don’t know everything, and instead of criticizing even to myself the actions of those in power, I’m practicing the elder James’ advice: Hold my tongue and take care of those who are vulnerable. (Sigh) Once more, the Scriptures strike at the heart—my heart—and call me to humble repentance and a change of heart in the Name of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Lord knows, I need it; so I’m thankful for it.