It Only Takes a Spark
Wildfires are some of the most potentially dangerous natural disasters. In just seconds, a spark can set off an inferno that can overtake thousands of acres, threatening property and lives in its path. Once a wildfire begins, it can spread at up to 14 miles per hour. For combustion to occur, three things need to be present – fuel to burn, air to supply oxygen, and some heat source to bring the fuel up to its ignition temperature. When fighting wildfires, the firefighters work to remove one of the components of the fire triangle (fuel, oxygen, heat) in order to contain and eventually extinguish the fire.
We too often see these wildfires on the news, burning out of control, destroying everything in its path. Scripture talks about our tongue in that same way. If left uncontrolled, our tongue is like a spark that can set a forest on fire, causing unfathomable destruction.
James, the half-brother of Jesus, likened an uncontrolled tongue to that of a spark that sets a forest on fire – “If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 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 3:3-6).
He goes on to say that an uncontrolled tongue is also like a restless evil, full of deadly poison (v.8). Sadly, we see forest fires and deadly poison in so much of today’s dialogue.
Conversely, our words can also be of tremendous kindness and hope to those who hear them. Or who read our words on social media platforms. The Bible speaks frequently about guarding what comes out of our mouths. Let me share three verses –
Proverbs 12:18 (NIV) – “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Ephesians 4:29 (GNT) – “Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.”
Proverbs 16:24 (ESV) – “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
So, today, I ask you and I ask myself – is your (my) tongue a honeycomb, sweeter than honey, or a spark, one capable of igniting the forest?
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