Nuclear fission is the breakup of the nucleus of an atom into two lighter nuclei. Occurring primarily in heavy nuclei, this process may take place spontaneously in some cases or may be induced by the excitation of the nucleus with a variety of particles (e.g., neutrons, protons, deuterons, or alpha particles) or with electromagnetic radiation in the form of gamma rays. In the fission process, a large quantity of energy is released, radioactive products are formed, and several neutrons are emitted. These neutrons can induce fission in a nearby nucleus of fissionable material and release more neutrons that can repeat the sequence, causing a chain reaction in which a large number of nuclei undergo fission and an enormous amount of energy is released. If controlled in a nuclear reactor, such a chain reaction can provide power for society’s benefit. If uncontrolled, as in the case of the atomic bomb, it can lead to an explosion of awesome destructive force. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_fission)
USACE, let me begin by saying that I know NOTHING about nuclear technology. Neutrons, protons, deuterons, and alpha particles are not topics that keep me awake at night. I do, however, like this illustration because I know a little bit about “controlled” and “uncontrolled” behavior, and I believe there is a comparison between the two to be made here.
Although there are numerous behaviors addressed in the Bible, the one I want to focus on today is the tongue. An anonymous writer once said, “If you mean to guard your heart, first learn to befriend your tongue.” Let me say upfront that this is an area in which I struggle.
As a starting point, I would ask that you take a minute to read James 3:1-13. In these verses, James goes into a very detailed teaching on the topic of the tongue, and he clearly states that none of us are exempt here – “All stumble in many ways” (vs 2). He also gives us three sets of illustrations that are easily identifiable and understandable: Horse Bit and Ship Rudder; Fire and Wild Animals; Water and Fruit. Out of these illustrations, James makes three points about the tongue:
- The Power of the Tongue
- The Potential Danger of the Tongue
- The Poisonous Nature of the Tongue
First, let’s look at the power of the tongue. James begins by using the example of the horse’s bit and the ship’s rudder, which both are very small; however, albeit small, they both have the power to control large objects. Never underestimate the power of your words. The Psalmist said, “My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness” (Psalm 119:172). Also, never forget that you can use your tongue to teach your family the Word of God. You can use your tongue to share God’s plan of salvation with a family member, a friend, or co- worker that may not yet know Him. You can use your tongue to deliver an encouraging word to somebody who is hurting. Remember that “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4).
Second, let’s look at the potential danger of the tongue. The second example James uses here is that of fire. James says “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.” Do you believe that you could burn your entire house to the ground with one single match? Think how much damage only a few angry words can cause in a person’s life. Please meditate on these verses. The Psalmist David said, “I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle” (Psalm 39:1). The writer of Proverbs said, “An
ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire. A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends” (Proverbs 16:27). And finally, Jesus said, “Hear Me, everyone, and understand: There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear,’” and “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Mark 7:14- 15; Matthew 12:34).
Third, let’s look at the poisonous nature of the tongue. In verses 7-10 James says, “For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.” In verse 8, James says the tongue is an “unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” The idea of “unruly evil” shows the tongue is always liable to break out into evil. It forms the picture of a caged animal pacing back and forth and seeking an opportunity to escape. And this “unruly evil” points to the instability and the double-mindedness of the tongue. Although you may think that you have control of your tongue one minute, always remember the potential harm that is always present. In verse 9 James demonstrates this by saying, “With the tongue we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God.” Always remember that this is the sin that all of us are ALL susceptible to, and we must guard ourselves against.
USACE, in conclusion, our speech is like a barometer. Most of us know that high barometric pressure often means good weather. Low barometric pressure often means bad weather. Controlled, positive, uplifting speech means a higher level of spirituality. Out of control, negative, abusive speech means a lower level of spirituality. Jesus said that we can know one another by the fruit our lives produce, and He expects us to judge one another based off that fruit. James ends this passage with two rhetorical questions: 1) “Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?” 2) “Can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?” Your speech is either under control, or out of control. What do our personal “barometers” read today?