Sermons

17th Sunday of Pentecost

Text: James 3:1-12

Pastor Jean M. Hansen

 

     It is a bit inconsistent, I’ll admit, that just a few weeks into the school year, as part of our focus is on honoring and blessing educators (and students), the second reading begins this way, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” Well! It’s certainly true that teachers have a vital and difficult job, and that they influence generations of people; it’s a job that is not for everyone. However…in order to fully grasp the significance of the reading from James, we need some context.

     First, in today’s passage James is diving deeper into the idea that was shared a couple weeks ago when we read: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” Remember, his overall concern in this letter is that followers of Jesus conduct themselves in consistently Christian ways.

     It seems that the position of teacher was an honorable and coveted one in James’ day. The problem was that the early church was plagued by “false teachers”, self-appointed status seekers who caused trouble because of their false message. The upheaval caused by them probably was the reason for the writer’s strong comments on the dangers of the tongue.

     He stressed that the tongue is notoriously hard to control and is dangerous and powerful. He compared it to a spark that sets off huge forest fires. The tongue is not large compared to the rest of the body, yet it has power, like a little rudder that can steer a massive ship and a small bit that can direct a huge horse. In other words, it’s potential to do harm, or good, is extensive.

     These are statements that probably made James’ readers uncomfortable, and Commentator Doug Bratt writes that James anticipated them responding with something like this: “Sure, I know I don’t always use my tongue as well as I should. But, come on, it’s not a big deal. It’s just words. And you know what they say, ‘Sticks and stones…but words can never hurt me.’ Besides, nobody is perfect. So, give me a break. You’re making a mountain out of a mole hill.”

     So, in response, Commentator Bratt writes that James essentially said this in verse 2: “Ok, you’re right. No one is perfect. We all sin in many ways. But that doesn’t give us a free pass on this tongue business. In fact, the tongue is so formidable a problem (a restless evil, full of deadly poison) that if you tamed that, you’d arrive at perfection…. Tame it we must, because it can do a world of damage to the church and the world.” (1)

     The passage concludes with analogies that focus on things that are impossible, like grapevines producing figs or a fig tree producing olives. The point is that it ought to be that impossible for a person to use the tongue to both bless and curse.

     As Pastor JoAnn Taylor notes, “It’s particularly disheartening to see and hear toxic comments from those who claim to follow Jesus. James tells us how it makes no sense for blessing God and cursing our neighbor to come from the same mouth…. It shouldn’t happen. Because when we curse others, we curse God.” (2)

      Well! It’s always interesting to me that this text shows up in the lectionary at the beginning of the school year, given the reference to teachers. It also is read at election time, far enough along in the process that we’re muting the TV whenever campaign commercials come on. And … I always feel compelled to preach on it. Why is that? Perhaps it is because I need a reminder that my words matter, and not just the ones I speak when standing here.

      As followers of Jesus, we certainly can express our opinions about policies, and even about candidates, BUT not with hurtful or divisive words. I know I’ve said before that it is a slippery slope when we move from stating that with which we agree or disagree, or what we would like to see change, and why, to making disparaging comments about an individual. Our common posture toward one another should be to listen and be respectful even when we disagree. And, by the way, that should be the case even if the other person is not so inclined.

     Let me say it … this is extremely difficult. It is possible only with the Holy Spirit’s help, and intentionality. That’s why the Interfaith Justice Series for 2025 is going to focus on learning these skills for communicating with one another, especially those with whom we disagree.

     The other day I was reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul from Galatians 5:13-15: “For you were called to freedom, brothers and sister, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.”

      Or, I would add, be consumed by yourself. Pastor Sandy Selby recently shared author Frederic Buechner’s definition of anger, complete with angry words, which fits perfectly with the Galatians text. Here it is: “of the Seven Deadly Sins, anger is possible the most fun. To lick your wounds, to smack your lips over grievances long past, to roll over your tongue the prospect of bitter confrontations still to come, to savor to the last toothsome morsel both the pain you are given and the pain you are giving back – in many ways it is a feast for a king. The chief drawback is what you are wolfing down is yourself. The skeleton at the feast is you.” (3)

      I like the way one of the commentaries described verse 15 as conduct which is reminiscent of a pack of wild animals; behavior that is the opposite of serving one another through love and can only lead to disaster.

     Finally, a reminder about the power of the tongue. Our focus thus far has been on the damage it can do, but words also can be a positive force. When we use encouraging words, forgiving words, accepting words, gentle words we can ease anger and bolster sagging spirits. Who are the people in your lives who have done that for you? The more there are, the easier it will be for you to use your tongue to build up people.

     The author of the book of James is encouraging us, even in (especially in?), the 21st century when we have the additional burden of social media as a means of communication, to integrate our Christian faith into what we do every day, and especially into what we say. So, our prayer for today is for help to speak in ways that do not hurt and destroy but help and heal. AMEN