burn it down!

"Our tongues are like matches / our ears are like trees / 
  our words are like sparks on dry summer leaves.
  It doesn't take much / for the flames to rise / 
  And turn a soul into a forest fire...Be careful what you say. Oh, be careful what you say."

Josh Wilson performs this thought-provoking song on the CD "See You."  I appreciate the reminder in the lyrics.  We all need to be reminded of the basics every now and then.  One of the best "basics" I know is the 2/3 Rule.  Before you speak your words, weigh them by this rule:
1) Is it true?
2) Is it necessary to say or repeat?
3) Is it kind?
A 2/3 majority should prevail.  If it doesn't, then don't say it.  I try to apply the rule daily, but sometimes I fail.  When this happens, I repent, try to fix it as the Lord directs, and then I forgive myself, and allow Jesus to set me on a better path so I can try again.  It's a good rule, and when applied, it actually works.

It really struck a nerve with me this past week.  Someone said something to me that was completely untrue, absolutely unnecessary, and very unkind.  My pride was injured and I'll confess that in a private moment, I cried.  And then I realized why I was so upset.  It wasn't for myself after all.  I was deeply saddened by the condition of the heart of this person...someone who was once, and still is, very dear to me.

It's as though they are another person altogether.  And I'll admit that I don't like who they have become.  Their words were once used to encourage and uplift, but that seems like a long time ago now.  The things they say now are mean and hurtful.  But, my sweet Lord knows how to help us remember the best, and forgive the worst in each other.  So, I called out to Him for comfort.  He gently reminded me that I hold the keys to the prison that my "friend" is chained up in.  My words are powerful, too.

James, the apostle, reminds us..."Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things,  Behold how great a matter a little fire kindles. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, (other body parts) that it defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of human nature; and it is set on fire by hell....With the same tongue, we bless God and curse each other...Yes, out of the same mouth proceed both blessing and cursing; my brothers, these things should not be so." (James 3:5-10)

That was not a new thought..."A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth...Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." (Proverbs 18:20-21)

Instead of allowing this person to stay in bondage and burn down everyone around them with their fierce exclamations, I can use my words to help set them free.  There is an awesome power in heartfelt prayer.
"Pray for one another...The effectual fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much."  (James 5:16)
I believe that.  I believe that PRAYER CHANGES THINGS!

So, there we have it...the choice is ours...we can allow ourselves to be burned up and injured or we can burn down the prison and set the captives free!  With the power in the very name of Jesus, the thorough redemption provided by His sacrificial blood, and the Angel-Armies above, there is no fortress that can withstand the attack of powerful words of LIFE.  He's waiting to release all the power that heaven has against that old enemy of our souls, that great deceiver, Satan, who is only interested in turning us against each other.  Let's resolve to deny him that victory.  If you want to start a fire, pick your real enemy, attack his fortress built of lies, doubt, fear and unbelief...and burn it down!