Steady

DEVOTION
JAMES
STEADY
James 3:9-12
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
NIV
Once again the story continues about this false teaching, or spreading false doctrine. I see this in the examination of the word curse. Never before have I look into this but it has opened a large door for me. The Greek word translated to curse actually implies to doom men or to invoke evil upon them. The only way I could invoke evil upon someone is to teach them something other than the truth of the Gospel. I could go around praising God well enough, but if I preached or even wrote something which lead people away from the truth of God I would be in fact invoking evil upon them, or causing their doom. Is it any wonder not many should presume to be teachers. God is going to hold me accountable for what I teach far greater than someone who does not teach. Now not for my sin so much for I am in the same boat with everyone else on that matter, but for what I teach. If I teach falsely, I am in large trouble. My life, my faith, my understanding of the truth of God must be evident and match. I cannot live one way and teach another. I cannot live for God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and teach something else. When I consider this, I truly think I am in line with God’s truth. I believe with all my heart I do not lead people astray from his truth. I believe I am right on with my teachings. If I miss something it is not on purpose for sure. I do not with any intend teach something wrong. I pray I will hear from the Spirit whenever I open my mouth or pen a word regarding the truths of God. I wonder if this also applies to when other men speak about things which are against the truth of God. Should I speak up? By my silence am I endorsing their false beliefs? Is that a form of invoking evil upon them? Does this apply only to other believers or to non-believers as well? I would think simply the believers for there are expressing faith in God, but do not know the truth. They may be in the group who are blow to and fro by every wind of doctrine. These I am obligated by God to share lead to the truth. These I must speak up to. The non-believer is lost for sure and actually believes a false doctrine as well, yet they are not even praising God. Do I have an obligation to lead them to the truth? By my silence am I invoking doom upon them? I think so. Oh God help me! In everything I live and say I must be steady.