How many of you have ever said something that, upon reflection, found yourself wishing that you had kept your mouth shut? It's my guess that every single one of us has had a moment like this at least once in our lives. Many times we say the wrong thing at the wrong time with completely innocent intentions.

For example, I have a friend that said a phrase on a mission's trip to Mexico that meant something entirely different than what he thought. On one of the last days of the trip, there was a powerful alter time during an evening service. While he was up there an older women came and prayed with him. It was a very beautiful moment and God's presence was thick in the room that night. When this woman was finished praying he thanked her by saying, "Gracias mamacita" several times. What he meant to say was "Gracias madrecita". The difference in those few letters was equivalent to saying "thank you sexy mama." Whoops.

Now as comical as that is, there is a much more serious issue to discuss here that is addressed in James Chapter 3. As humans, we all make mistakes and typically, they are one the most innocent of terms. However, for every verbal accident, I've made just as many on purpose. I encourage you to read this chapter as there are several good illustrations that James gives us to explain how something as small as our tongue can cause major damage.

Many of you have siblings and can relate with the following story. Growing up, I knew exactly what to say to get my sister upset very quickly. Today, the same applies for my wife. This knowledge can prove to be quite powerful when you are in the right situation and you need to throw in a jab to hurt without physically touching them. All of a sudden, our words become leverage and can be used in a very manipulative way.

Our words can be the spark that starts a forest fire in our families, churches and communities. We have a very big responsibility when it comes to what we say. People will judge us not only by our action, but the words that we say. If you claim to be Christian but are known as the local gossip, how is that effecting people's perception of what Christianity is all about?

I encourage you this week think about what you are saying and how it is coming across to those around you. Are your words producing comfort, compassion, love, grace, encouragement, honesty and wholesomeness? Will people hear you and think that you are rude, obnoxious, inconsiderate, dishonest and a slanderous gossip hound? I truly hope that this is not the case, but I also hope that you will let the wisdom of God's word penetrate your heart this week and that you would allow the book of James to impact you so that you, in turn, can impact your world.

Final Thought: If you need more direction on what is ok to say and what is not, ask yourself three questions. Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary? If what you are about to say meets all of these criteria, then talk until your blue in the face.