- My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
My Notes.
Verse 1,2 It is a sobering thought that we need to be careful about what we say. As I read this; I sought diligently what it was saying. From the text, I have a great responsibility to make sure what is correct for my readers.
First it is talking to Christians I.e “My brethren” then the instruction comes “be not many masters” I know myself just being a parent and teaching them is a great responsibility. We are going to be responsible at the judgement seat of Christ when it comes to our children. Even on earth I find that parenting and the way we parent our children can be condemnable amongst the world and fellow believers. How much more does God expect of us when it comes to the authority in the home. Luke 17:1,2 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
James 3:2 For in many things we offend all
Do we offend? yes I believe we do “If any offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” There is only one man that was recorded as perfect in the Bible; his name is The Lord Jesus Christ.
So what about those who are in a ministry. James says; do not be the masters of many. I encourage others; keep your ministry to a place that God wants it to be. Too many pastors are doing too much in there own church. There are too many members not doing anything. Some; I believe need to step down; and some need to step up. above all be and do what God wants you to be. Be aware of the tongue and do not be stubborn.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
As teaches and as parents, we need to be guided by the Holy Spirit. Not by the horse who has no bit in the mouth or a ship without a helm; tossed too an frow in this life.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
Just like the horse without a bit or the ship without a helm; the tongue wants to go it’s own way, because we want to subject our tongue to ways it should not go. Rather it should be directed by the Holy Spirit. Teachers need to back up things about what they say regarding the word of God. Parents also need to back up what they say with God’s leading of the Holy Spirit. We should follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit and be always praying to guide our Children and those we have contact with in our everyday lives.
Remember; a large fire cannot be started if a small fire is not lit. A small fire will not be lit if our tongue is guided by the Holy Spirit.
Remember; a fire in relation to the tongue is something that is wrongly said or something that is said that can be destroying to another person. Fire does destroy.
Something said directed by the Holy Spirit cannot be a destructive force or accusative, of another persons life or ours.
We cannot be perfect, but let us be directed and steered, Just like the horse and the ship, by the Holy Spirits words as he speaks to us when we commune with Him.
