Login / Signup

Free Access

Engage Mind Before Putting Mouth In Gear

Sermon
Sermons on the Second Readings
Series II, Cycle B
When we were children our parents often quoted us the expression, "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me." Generally this was a welcome comment that brought significant comfort, especially after the callous and thoughtless words of one of our friends or classmates hurt us. As children this expression works well and alleviates many problems, but as we mature we begin to see that this catchy phrase really does not help, for it simply does not apply. The reality is that words can be very hurtful and damaging. They might not hurt us physically as a blow to the body, but they can be even more destructive for their damage does not generally heal as rapidly and as well as wounds we can readily see. The power of words is real and, thus, their use must be recognized and guarded appropriately.

There are numerous examples in history of how words have been effectively utilized to aid, encourage, and inspire, both individuals and groups. On November 19, 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln spoke at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery, he finished his remarks with words that have echoed and been memorized by school-age children since that time: "That government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth." Lincoln's words have been the source of inspiration not only for Americans, but all people who seek freedom. Some seventy years later, another president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, uplifted the American people in the midst of the Great Depression by stating, "There is nothing to fear but fear itself." He went on to articulate his four freedoms: freedom of speech and worship, and freedom from want and fear. He called upon Americans to unite for the common cause and good of all.

In the 1960s, Americans continued to be inspired and motivated by the words of great leaders. John F. Kennedy in his inaugural address on January 20, 1961 challenged Americans: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Volunteerism in programs such as the Peace Corps and many other civil and religious groups, seeking to aid those less fortunate, sprang up and gave people reason for hope. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in probably his most famous speech told those assembled during the "March on Washington": "I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." King dreamed of a colorless society where people would live in an ecumenical spirit of harmony with one another. His words gave inspiration to those associated with the American Civil Rights Movement.

The positive and uplifting use of words has been equaled, unfortunately, with many examples of the destructive use of rhetoric and language. The Ku Klux Klan preached hatred, racism, and religious intolerance against all who were not white, Anglo-Saxon, and Protestant during its heyday in the 1920s. Adolf Hitler proclaimed death to Jews, leading to the great genocide of the Holocaust. Our contemporary scene continues to experience hate-filled speech between Muslims, Jews, and Christians and even nasty and often "below the belt" verbal jabs in political campaigns. Playing by the rules of decorum no longer seems applicable. In order to get ahead the rule is not to promote your own initiatives but to downplay what others are suggesting.

Unquestionably, words have been used to inspire, rally, and produce the very best in human society, but they have equally been used to tear down and destroy, bringing great harm to individuals and groups. We need to learn how to use words wisely and constructively to build up and enhance our society. Saint James warns us today of the care that is needed in our use of words.

James provides much food for thought in his epistle this day. He begins his lesson by speaking of the significant and great responsibility of being a good teacher. He suggests that not many should be teachers, but this in only in a formal sense, for all of us are teachers in significant ways in the varied aspects of our lives. Parents, as we know, are the primary teachers of their children in every aspect of their lives. From learning to tie your shoes, to riding a bike, to how to conduct yourself in public, to the important lessons of our faith, parents are the frontline soldiers as our teachers. As teachers, as humans, we will make mistakes; this we know for certain, but it must be a great consolation to hear James say it. Thus, while we know, all too well at times, of our own failures and inadequacies, we must realize that God understands. After all, God made us incomplete and imperfect. All God asks of us is our best effort. Still, James reminds us that God has called us to a higher standard, a Christian life. Our road will encounter some detours, potholes, and roadblocks, but then God never promised us a smooth path to eternal life. In fact, Jesus is very clear in the Gospel: "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it and those who lose their life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 16:24b-25).

James then gets into the heart of his message on the importance of the tongue to the body. Using the power and grandeur of a horse and a ship as examples, James demonstrates how the tongue can control the whole body. As a bit guides a powerful horse and a small rudder directs a large ship, so the tongue, seemingly so insignificant, directs a human by the words one uses. The apostle uses a reference from the book of Genesis to show how, through God's plan, all of creation is subject to humans. We have the ability to subdue all things; the created world has been made subject to humanity. All is subject to us, that is, except the tongue. He calls it "a restless evil, full of deadly poison." While, as we have seen, words can be used effectively to praise and uplift, so too they can be used to tear down and injure.

James tells us that with the same tongue we praise God and curse God's people. We know all too well the reality of this statement. We gather together this day in praise and worship of God. We use many words, all of which in some way are articulated to bring something positive to God's people. Yet, if we are not careful, before the day has ended, we will use the same tongue with which we utter praise to be the vehicle that speaks ill of others, especially behind their backs, where it is easy, convenient, and "safe." Unfortunately, this is a common failure in which we all participate. The apostle suggests, however, that this reality need not occur. He provides examples from nature that show that the tongue need not participate in both good and evil. He says a spring does not yield both fresh and brackish water nor does a fig tree yield olives nor a grapevine figs.

The challenge of Saint James is highly significant. The laws of nature govern the reality that apple trees do not yield grapes nor do seeds for squash yield carrots, but the tongue is under our control; it is not governed by the laws of nature. Personal choice, one of the two ideas (along with the ability to think) that separates humankind from the rest of God's creation, is operative with the tongue. We must choose to use the tongue to build up, praise, and challenge, rather than ridicule or condemn. Thus, the choice is ours. The choice is always ours!

The words of James, I am certain, must have been the inspiration apparent in a teacher who, the first day of class placed in huge block letters above the blackboard (so it would not be erased): "Engage mind before putting mouth in gear." In other words, we must think before we speak. These words of wisdom should be heeded by all. All of us have a tendency to be impulsive. We use words to get our way and to get it now, not in a few days or even a few minutes. When things don't happen as we think or the schedule we have set, we lash out, often at others who have absolutely nothing to do with things for which we give them responsibility. We all have a tendency as well to react, often harshly, especially when someone speaks ill of us or is less than positive. All of us at times are defensive. It is natural for us to "circle the wagons" and create a defensive shield around ourselves when be believe we are being attacked. Even when we know in our hearts that what the other person is saying may be true, we do not want to admit it. We defend ourselves, often with significant barbs for the person who we perceive is attacking our person. We simply cannot allow what others say to go without our response.

Words are easy to use -- as the expression says, "talk is cheap." Yet, in the end, words can be very expensive. They can cost us dearly if not properly used. When loose and thoughtless words, often expressed without engaging our minds, reach unintended ears, we pay a heavy price. We may only receive a lecture or a reprimand for our casual use of speech. We could, however, lose a friendship or our job. Thus, we must always be mindful that while words are free, their use must be tightly controlled.

Jesus provided the best examples of how to properly use our tongues. The Lord used his tongue wisely to instruct. The Gospels are filled with examples of how Jesus taught his disciples and even those who were allied against him, the Scribes and Pharisees, what was necessary to gain the eternal life of God. Jesus spoke directly in the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5-7), and metaphorically through the use of parables, stories which are timeless for all peoples. Jesus used words to praise. The Lord praised the widow who contributed to the collection only a few pennies, but it was all she had for her livelihood (Mark 12:43-44). He congratulated Mary of Bethany for her wisdom in choosing to sit at his feet and listen to his words (Luke 10:41-42). Jesus used words to console the widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-17) and to bring hope to the centurion whose servant was sick (Mark 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10) and to the blind man at Jericho (Luke 18:35-43). Jesus used words to forgive the penitent thief, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43), and the woman caught in the act of adultery: "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again" (John 8:11b). Christ also used words when appropriate to challenge. He said to his parents after their three-day search resulted in his discovery in the temple, "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" (Luke 2:49). His parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) challenged Jewish officials on who they considered their neighbor. He used strong language, even to the point of losing a part of our body (Matthew 5:29-30; Mark 9:43-48), to suggest that nothing must interfere with our relationship with God. Jesus even used rather harsh words to speak of the future and the division his reign would bring (Matthew 10:34-39; Luke 12:49-53).

Jesus did not always use words to praise, but they were always directed in positive ways, to right the ships of others, spiritually and socially, and guide them toward more calm waters. The Lord used words to assist people toward the one and only goal that has ultimate meaning -- our eternal life with God.

In our lives we want to change the world and change others, but we need to control ourselves first. The Indian Jesuit and spiritual writer, Anthony de Mello, tells of a Sufi Bayazid who once commented about himself: I was a revolutionary when I was young and my single prayer to God was, "Lord, give me the energy to change the world." As I approached middle-age and realized that half my life was gone without my changing a single soul, I changed my prayer to, "Lord give me the grace to change all those with whom I come in contact. If I can change my family and friends I will be satisfied." Now that I am an old man and my days are numbered, my one prayer is, "Lord, give me the grace to change myself." If I had prayed for this at the outset, I should not have wasted my life.

Words truly are an important element in our lives. We speak casually; we speak seriously. We joke with others and we bring challenges. Yet, in all that we say there is a need to think seriously about what we say before we say it. Too often we hear people say, "Oh, I wish I had not said that," or "I should have said something." In short, we need to think about what we say. We must follow the lead of Jesus and use words in ways that instruct, praise, forgive, and when necessary, challenge and admonish. Let us do our best to tame our tongues. Let us make sure to engage mind before putting mouth in gear!
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
For October 5, 2025:

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
What kind of poetry is written in the midst of war? Gentle poetry. Brutal poetry. Shocking poetry. Haunting poetry.

It was expected on all sides that the First World War would end quickly — but it slogged on for four long years. How many died? You’ll get as many answers as the number of sources you check, but let’s say twenty million for the sake of a number. Each one of those was a human being, each life cut short was irreplaceable, each one a cherished child of God.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
Not all suffering is equal.

We know, of course, that some pain is worse than other pain and some suffering is more difficult to endure. I have discovered, for example, that I classify some troubles as “headaches” while other troubles are “heartaches.” The “headache” type of suffering is a nuisance, no doubt, but it is not nearly so painful to me as the “heartache” type of suffering. Troubles at work are headaches; troubles at home are heartaches.
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Lamentations 1:1-6; Lamentations 3:19-26 or Psalm 137

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: The object of this lesson is a phrase for everyone to remember. If you want to add a bit of interest, you could print that phrase on a card or ribbon to give to each child. For the most impact, create one for every member of the congregation and have the children hand them out after the message.

* * *

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

His friends and followers said to Jesus, "Increase our faith!" In our worship today let us explore faith and ask that he might increase our faith too.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes I feel anxious and worried.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes I find it hard to believe that you will always care for me.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes I envy other people because of their great faith.

Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
The little-known book of Lamentations was likely composed in the ashes of Jerusalem, following the Babylonian invasion which carried the leaders of the Jewish community off into exile. It speaks to the concerns of the Jerusalem community for their long-term survival under occupation by a foreign power. While the book's title sounds grim, and its setting is dark, the book is fundamentally life-affirming. It is a testimony to the steadfast love of God that may be discovered through renewed faith, even in troubled times.

Lee Ann Dunlap
Some records are made to be broken -- like Olympic speed skating; Cal Ripkin, Jr.'s, most consecutive baseball game appearances; and North Dakota's longest cow chip toss. Other records we'd prefer to let stand -- the world's deadliest disaster, or the most active hurricane season, for instance. Years 2004 and 2005 will probably make the books as among the most dramatic in weather history. Hurricanes pounded the southern coast of the USA. Floods and blizzards battered the midwest. Earthquakes devastated parts of central Asia.
Rick McCracken-Bennett
Ever since the sign went up on our property that our church was coming I've gotten phone calls from people asking when we'll have a church. I can be a smart aleck as some of you will attest and so I'm often quick to respond that we already have a church, we just don't have a building. "Well," they usually say, "give me a call when you get the building done; I'm not going to worship in a high school cafeteria." Before I can give my canned speech about the difference between a church and the building I realize I'm talking to a dead phone.
R. Kevin Mohr
It can be really depressing to listen to the news anymore. It doesn't matter which network you watch, everywhere you turn it's the same old bad news: natural and manmade disasters, the continuing conflicts in the Middle East and in Iraq and Afghanistan, medical miscues, entertainers gone wild and self-destructive, sports heroes disappointing us. Then there's a federal government that often seems to be, at best, incompetent or, at worst, corrupt. What makes it even more depressing is that at least 51% of us voted those currently in the White House and on Capitol Hill into office!
Gary L. Carver
You may have noticed that I read earlier from the King James Version of the Bible and not the New International Version from which I usually read. I read from a Bible that was given to me by my father which was passed on to him by his father. I read earlier from my Grandfather Carver's pulpit Bible from which he began preaching over ninety years ago and used for over forty years. Needless to say, when I accepted this Bible from my father I received it as a sacred trust.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL