One Small Spark


One tossed cigarette, one floating ember from a fire pit, one dropped candle... it doesn't take much to burn down a home, a forest or a city. One careless or intentional spark is all that is required.

Similarly, one small off-hand remark, one unjust criticism, one uncalled-for remark about someone's appearance or intelligence... that's all it takes to lead another person down a path of ruin.

The old children's rhyme that says, "Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me" is totally false. I would venture to say that there are more people hurt and devastated by thoughtless words than all the hurled sticks and stones combined.

People recklessly trash others on social media -- people of all ages, not just teenagers. Parents leave children feeling worthless and unloved because of harshly spoken words. Business men and women, and politicians use words to demean and belittle others in order to get ahead. Our words can be an encouragement and blessing OR a source of discouragement and cursing.

James 3:5-6
The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire...

Such a small part of the body. Such an untamed source of destruction... unless you allow it to be controlled by the power of God. Take some Holy Ghost TUMS. Extinguish that fire before it comes forth from your lips. Don't be the flamer thrower... be the fire hose delivering Living Water.


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