Thoughts for Life: #52 You Will be more Accountable than Your People

Dr. Wesley L. Duewel: James warns us, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly" (James 3:1).

In the very next verse he adds that we all stumble in many ways. Are you stumbling "in many ways"? (Google image, Teacher clipart)

Jesus reminds us of the danger of judging. This is a special danger to a leader. We easily get into the habit of judging because in the eyes of the people we become authorities on the meaning of Scripture, and they so often trust our opinions as the only answer. Remember how imperfectly you really understand the whole of God's truth.

After James states that as Christian leaders we will be judged more strictly he gives three illustrations of areas where we will be strictly judged:

1. You will be judged strictly for boasting. James says the tongue is a small part of our body but it makes great boasts (James 3:5). So often the more you repeat an incident, the more you embellish it and the larger your story grows.

Your mind can easily play tricks on you. Beware of exaggerating. "Evangelistically speaking" has become an unfortunate expression which implies that preachers' stories are more vivid and the number of people converted often larger than the facts warrant.

2. You will be judged strictly for your influence on others. James illustrates this by showing that a small spark can set a whole forest ablaze. One slight remark of suspicion, of doubt, of accusation, of resentment, or anger can set a devastating fire ablaze in a church.

Because of your position, what you say will be taken more seriously, will be believed more unquestioningly, and will be quoted more often to more people than you think. What you state as a possibility will be quoted as a fact. What you say will often be quoted out of context.

3. You will be judged more strictly for poisoning the minds of others. What? Leaders poison the minds of their people? Yes, that is a constant danger. James says (3:8) that the tongue is like a wild animal which cannot be tamed, like an evil which cannot be brought under control, like a poison with power to kill. Remember, this is said in explaining the accountability of Christian leaders.

Just one remark by a leader in public or in private can poison the minds of many. James says it can be deadly. One remark can destroy unity. One sermon, even one statement, can poison the atmosphere of the church, the community, a home. If anyone needs to control his tongue at all times it is a leader.

That is why James pleads with Christian leaders to remember that we will be judged more strictly than others. Constantly we use our tongues with their tremendous potential for good or evil. With them we bless or curse; we praise God or destroy people.

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Used by permission of the author and Duewel Literature Trust, Inc., Greenwood, Indiana. Creative reading style by Jean.

Ablaze for God
#52 You will be More Accountable than Your People
by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
(pp. 165-167) ZondervanPublishingHouse

Woman praying

Father, as our leaders are judged for their boasting of accomplishments, and tend to sometimes embellish their stories over time, help them remember that they do have influence on us, as we are more likely to believe their every word.

What they say though, can cause a devastating fire when spoken with words of suspicion, doubt, accusation, resentment or anger.

May our leaders remember their remarks can poison the minds of the folks they lead, causing potential harm, even destroying them.
Enable them to use their tremendous potential for good by blessing God and their people with the words they speak.
We lift them up today, asking for Your Spirit to help them guard their mouths, and to speak only what will edify those of us who hear them.

In Jesus' name, and for His glory we pray. Amen.

Today's Bible verses-

Rev. 3:22 (KJV) "He that hath an ear, let him hear
what the Spirit saith unto the churches."

1 Peter 3:15 (KJV) "But sanctify the Lord God in
your hearts; and be ready always to give an answer
to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope
that is in you with meekness and fear."

James 1:26 (KJV) "If any man among you seem to
be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth
his own heart, this man's religion is vain."

Today's quotes-

~ Richard Owen Roberts- "To assume that sinners can turn to the Righteous One without repentance as a "work," these teachers are much more successful in proving their ignorance of the Holy One. Sad to say, this grievous error is responsible for incredible damage throughout major portions of the church."
[Taken from Herald of His Coming newspaper, Vol 77, No 5 (917), p. 1. Used by permission.]

~ Mark I. Bubeck- "The greatest evidence of how far we've fallen from the state of spiritual excellence that believers are meant to have is measured right here.

When sinners around us go on arrogantly sinning, when righteousness is eroding and despised by the world, when sinners with whom we live and work exhibit little or no fear of coming judgment, the Holy Spirit is hindered from doing his work, and believers need revival." (p.249, THE SATANIC REVIVAL).

Today's question-

Is God calling you to something beyond yourself?

If so, He expects you to do your best and to pray for His guidance (see Ps. 4:3; Ps. 5:3). He is building places for His presence to dwell, and He draws us into that mission, though it may seem beyond our capability. That's okay, as it's His plan to build us up in ministry together, showing us our need of Him and each other to accomplish His will.
We're to see that we do have different giftings and talents, and God's plan is to unite us in a "work" that will glorify Him. (Neh. 6:16 b (KJV) ". . for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God."

Upcoming posts-

Does God Know You?

12th- Saturday's post by Jean Oathout

#53 You will be Accountable for Your Example

15th- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

#54 You will be Accountable for Your Prayer Life

17th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

Awakening

19th- Saturday's post by Lee Forbes