Good morning. I would say that most of us in the northern part of the US are getting tired of breathing the smoke from Canadian wildfires. We’ve had a dry late spring to early summer, and there hasn’t been much relief in the way of rain to help put out the flames. Most of those fires seem to have occurred by natural means, such as lightning strikes. They say that some have been started by people. Personally, I have a very low opinion of anyone who would start a forest ablaze intentionally, but apparently most of those “human caused” fires were set accidentally. Perhaps they never learned the song in Vacation Bible School “It Only Takes a Spark”.
It is amazing what a spark, purposefully or accidentally placed, can do to a forest. In a matter of minutes, it goes from a tiny speck of flame to an inferno.
In the 3rd chapter of James’ letter, he warns of the dangers of an uncontrolled tongue. Reminding us that although it is a small part of the body, it determines what we say and therefore controls much of what happens in our lives.
He compares our tongues to bits placed in the mouths of horses, relatively small but able to exert great control over the large animal. He goes on to compare the tongue to the rudder of a ship. Again, the size is relatively small, but it controls a ship’s direction.
In James 3:5-6 we read: Consider what a great forest may be set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire…
Of course, not every fire is bad. It also only takes a spark to start the fire in a wood furnace or fireplace.
Our tongues are like fire. They can be compared to a spark ready to find fuel for combustion. The question is whether our “sparks” today will start fires of righteous purpose or of destruction.
It is amazing how one unkind or judgmental word or phrase is able to destroy another person’s day, and perhaps do irreparable harm to our relationship with that person. Also, it is amazing how one word or phrase of unexpected kindness and encouragement may start a fire in a person’s heart that will get them moving in a positive way, accomplishing things they never knew they could do. It only takes a spark.
When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will be of benefit to those who listen to you. Ephesians 4:29
Vern