Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. – James 1:26

Beloved in the Lord, scripture points out in proverbs that a man without self control is like a city with broken down walls. Self control is essential to our spiritual growth as children of God. Many a time we may be tempted to give into the desires of our flesh, or retaliate when offended, or gossip about a situation. However, in our verse for today Apostle James challenges us to learn to bring our emotions under control, otherwise everything we are doing in the name of God is worthless.

The kingdom of God is built on mysteries that are revealed in God’s appointed time. Neither God nor His servants will go about spilling revelations before their time. After Jesus’ transfiguration on the Mount, he told the disciples who were with him; Peter, James and John to keep this to themselves. He urged them not to reveal that information to any man until the appointed time had come, and that is what the disciples did.

If we are going to walk with God faithfully, we must learn to control ourselves and keep a tight grip on our lips like the disciples mentioned in the above. We can’t go about gossiping about everyone with whoever will listen, neither can we go about spilling out classified and sensitive information to people – if we do that our devotion to God and religion is worthless.

Let us remember that anyone who lacks the ability to bring their emotions and actions under control exposes themselves to all sorts of attacks from the evil one. He or she is like a city with broken down walls, lacking protection. We must learn to give ourselves to discipline and an insatiable desire to please God at all times. It is my prayer that the good Lord empower us to be controlled in our thoughts, words and actions. In Jesus name, Amen.