At Lakeview Christian Church, our mission is to “Be the Change, as Jesus has changed us.” This isn’t just about big gestures; it starts with small things—like the words we choose each day. As Tyler reminded us in his recent message, James doubles down on the reality that the tongue is a powerful agent. While it can be used for incredible good, it can also be a source of great harm if left unchecked.
James writes, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell” (James 3:6, ESV). This is a sobering truth. No matter how hard we try, we all struggle to tame our tongues. Honest confession is the first step—recognizing, as Tyler did, that none of us have mastered this. It’s a common struggle, a universal “blight” among people.
Turning to Scripture for Guidance and Grace
But we are not left without hope. Tyler points us to the wisdom of David in Psalm 19—a prayerful, humble recognition of our need for God’s help with our words:
“Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
(Psalm 19:12-14, ESV)
David acknowledges that even our hidden faults and careless words require God’s forgiveness. He prays not just for clean speech but for a pure heart—knowing that what fills our hearts will eventually spill from our mouths.
Study, Share, Serve: A Pathway for Change
This is precisely where Lakeview’s “Just 3” focus comes in:
- Study: We seek to love and know God by immersing ourselves in His Word and allowing Him to transform our hearts. As we study, we echo David’s prayer: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight.” True change begins with a heart surrendered to God.
- Share: Our words are meant to build up, not tear down. By sharing encouragement and grace, we reflect the love of Jesus to those around us. Paul urges, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6, ESV).
- Serve: Speaking life is an act of service. Our mission isn’t just to avoid harmful words, but to actively speak hope and healing into the lives of others. Every conversation can be an act of love in action.
A Moment of Reflection
As we reflect, it’s good to ask: When was the last time I paused to consider whether my words were pleasing to God? Am I relying on my own willpower, or am I inviting God to change my heart, as David did?
At Lakeview Christian Church, we believe that being the change Jesus calls us to be starts with humble confession, surrendered hearts, and words that point others to Christ. May our prayer echo David’s: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
