If any man among you seem to be religious and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

– James 1:26, KJV

The biblical standard for measuring your spirituality or maturity levels in the Christian faith is your ability to bridle or control your tongue. True to your heart, ask yourself, do I use my tongue as a source of insult, lying and vulgar language?

The Bible when talking about the tongue asks,

Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or grapevine bear figs?

– James 3:11-12

How you use and control your tongue determines your level of faith and spiritual maturity.

For in many things, we offend all. If any man offends not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

– James 3:2

Your words or messages reflect your character. We live in a world of social media where people just say anything and everything to get their way through. Sadly, we see even church members and Bible-reading Christians use their mouths flippantly, carelessly and abusing their leaders.

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

– Proverbs 13:3

You are spiritually immature when you don’t bridle or tame your tongue. Even your faith is completely worthless when you fail to bridle your tongue. The divine power and wisdom to bridle or control your tongue is only available in Christ, “the power of God and the wisdom of God.” – I Corinthians 1:24 NKJV

Allow God to move on your behalf. Silence should be the ‘treasure’ that you need to possess! Arguments, debates, quarrels and tit-for-tat attitudes should stop!

But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

– James 3:14

Be desperate and have an aggressive urge for change. Yield your tongue to the Holy Spirit. Let it remain a permanent source of edification and blessings to your life, family and ministry. May the Lord help you always to bridle your tongue in the name of Jesus.