Daily Devotional, Nov 16, 2023 The Mouthpiece
"But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." James 3:8
The mouthpiece of communication devices are getting smaller and smaller, yet it still carries the same functionality which is to transmit messages. The mobile phone for instance works like a mic that transforms the caller’s voice into electrical signals that would in turn be conveyed to the other party.
As Christians, we are expected to become the mouthpiece that transmits the good news to people who have yet to learn and accept the Gospel. However, there is also that existential threat that we could be used as a mouthpiece of the enemy.
"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)
In his first epistle the Apostle Peter warned believers that the enemy is just around the corner waiting for his next victim. Let us be conscious that apart from not getting victimized by worldly schemes, we should not allow ourselves to be used as a mouthpiece.
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." 1 Peter 4:8-9
So how can we become his mouthpiece? We can be used in the following situations:
1. When we get angry and fail to control our emotions. The Lord understands that anger is a human emotion, but he warns us not to sin and not to dwell much on it as it gives the devil a foothold in our lives. As St. Paul the Apostle reminds us: “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27
Out of anger, sometimes we could say the meanest of things. Like the enemy we could start making accusations (Revelation 12:10), and we can magnify negative situations to the detriment of others. Let us not allow ourselves to be used in this way, and instead we should process our anger healthily by suspending judgment, clarifying information, and dealing with the situation calmly. Let us heed the Apostle Paul’s advice to Timothy:
"Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 2:23-25
2.When we engage in gossiping and rumor mongering. For some people, gossiping about others seems like a harmless way of bonding with their friends. But the bible clearly commands us to not engage in these types of conversations. The letter of James, the brother of Jesus, clearly states: “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless,” (James 1:6).
Rumor mongering is equally unproductive, abrasive, and a blatant violation of the Lord’s commands “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen,” (Ephesians 4:29).
When we engage in gossiping and rumor mongering, we become a mouthpiece of the enemy because such activities cause divisiveness within communities, churches, and otherwise wholesome organizations. Romans 16:17 reminds us: “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” So moving forward, let us not engage in these types of conversations, and politely decline spending time with people who are fond of talking about other people’s private life and business.
3. When we lie. Since he is the father of lies, we become his mouthpiece whenever we say things that are not true. John 8:44 says: “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” Whether it is a white lie or a half-truth, a lie is still a lie, and we get used by the enemy by propagating such untruthful information that misleads other people.
Now that we are more conscious about not allowing ourselves to be the mouthpiece of the enemy, we too should be sensitive enough to avoid people who are presently being used as one.
For instance, real-life people who seem to be so negative about the world, who do everything mentioned above, and are always instigating trouble. Online, we should be conscious about following influencers who just promote worldly values like materialism, immorality, envy, covetousness, idolatry, hate, disrespect to elders and the like. We can immediately catch this if we just take a bit more time to understand what they are saying or promoting. Let us ask ourselves, is what he or she is saying consistent with gospel values? Does she promote self-worship through beauty and fashion; covetousness by promoting materialism; immorality through her advocacies; or is she promoting wholesome content that has biblical undertones?
We should be conscious about what we watch, read and listen to because we are not immune to brainwashing. At the end of the day, nurturing a relationship with the Lord is key as He is our mighty shield that protects us from the snares of the enemy.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on James 3:1-12 and 1 Timothy 5:13-14 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: What were the times when you could have been used as a mouthpiece of the enemy? How could you avoid similar instances in the future?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for affording me the protection of having a soulful relationship with you. Guard me from the enemy, and allow me to be conscious of the times that I could be unwittingly used to spread his darkness. I want to remain in your light, and walk with you always. Amen.
