LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS

James 3:9 “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.”

During WWI, enemy spies used to hang around the British pubs to hear loose talk about ship movements. Sailors would talk about their next assignments, where they were going, when they were leaving—vital information for the German submarines. Just a few careless words would tip the enemy off and thousands of lives would be lost. A slogan was raised to remind people of the terrible devastation that could result from words ill spoken, “Loose lips, sink ships”. The problem of careless talk was so great that the government began to put up posters with the slogan displayed.

All through his epistle James talks about the discipline of our tongues. In James 1:26 he writes, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” Isn’t that an amazing statement? We can attend church; we can preach, and we can pray. We can give our tithe. But if our tongue is out of control--if we’re speaking evil of other people--our religion is worthless.

I heard a story about a little boy that was selling a push mower. A Baptist preacher came along and wanted to buy it and asked did it run. "Yes sir", said the boy. The preacher pulled and pulled on the rope and said, "Son, this thing won’t start." The boy said, "That’s ‘cause you ‘gotta’ cuss it." The preacher said, "Son, I’m a Baptist preacher, and I haven’t cussed in 18 years." The boy replied, "Keep pulling; it’ll come back to you."

The problem is that some times old habits "come back to you". It takes self control to keep it from coming back. Anyone who can master the use of his tongue, who doesn’t fall into sin through the use of words, misrepresentation or falsehood, shows himself to be mature in spirit. The tongue is usually the hardest member of the body to control. The ability to control it shows incredible spiritual maturity and follows Christ’s example.

The tongue has great potential for good or evil. Those who love to use it a lot must be prepared to take the consequences. When used properly the tongue can mend fences, heal broken hearts and encourage those who are in need of encouragement.

General Robert E. Lee was once asked what he thought of a fellow officer in the Confederate Army -- an officer who had made some mean-spirited remarks about him. Lee thought for a moment, and then rated him as being very satisfactory. The person who asked the question seemed troubled. "But general, I guess you don’t know what he’s been saying about you." "Oh yes," answered Lee. "I know. But I was asked my opinion of him, not his opinion of me."

James tells us that the tongue is a flaming fire. The damage it can do could, if not cooled, last a lifetime. Satan will, at every opportunity, use the tongue to divide us and take our eyes off the prize, which is Jesus Christ, our Lord. When our speech is motivated by Satan it is full of, jealousy, selfishness, desires, disorder, and evil. When our speech is motivated by God and his wisdom it is full of, mercy, love, peace, courtesy, sincerity, gentleness, and goodness.

Let us be challenged today to take stock of our words. Do they build up or do they tear down? Make a conscious choice to be a builder, not a destroyer. Speak great things over yourself and others. God will enrich your life.