Journal entry 12/17/2010

I realize that the more i joke and try to make people laugh, the more my flesh feeds off of it and the more a care about what others think about me; and consequently the more I guard my mouth against necessary offenses.

Further, I feel that a “funny reputation” demeans my witness and effectiveness when confronting issues of morality or objective truth. How can I tell a gay joke, and then try to confront the sin of homosexuality in the same breath? How can I jokingly tell a Christian friend to “get saved”, and then plea for sinners to repent?

God, help me guard my tongue. Help me be known for moral and spiritual excellence, not as someone who could tell a funny joke. I need your help God; in Jesus’ Name I pray, AMEN!

“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” James 1:26

“When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise 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, and is itself set on fire by hell.” James 3:3-6