And so the tongue is a small part of the body yet it carries great power! Just think of how a small flame can set a huge forest ablaze. - James 3:5
We didn’t see the lightning strike—but we heard it off in the distance and the thunder that quickly followed, reverberating through the canyon walls near our campsite. We glanced at one another at the time, marveling as to how sudden and powerful the sound had been, but gave it little thought after. A few hours later, however, while strolling the canyon rim, I saw a plume of smoke in the distance that stopped me in my path. My breath caught in my throat. I had never witnessed one before, but I knew this was the beginning of a forest fire.
Sure enough, it wasn’t long before we began seeing helicopters and air tankers flying overhead. By evening, flames could clearly be seen across the canyon as the fire grew from thirty to fifty acres in size. The next day, as the air battle continued, ground fighters and smokejumper crews were also sent in. Fueled by ongoing hot temperatures and strong winds, the fire quickly expanded within the day to over 500 acres. Campgrounds, trails and roads had to be closed. By day eleven the fire was still less than half contained. With the help of rain, it took forty days and over 400 personnel to fully contain this forest fire that ultimately consumed over 700 acres.
A single lightning strike ignited a forest that raged with damage for over a month. Likewise, a single harsh word spoken by us can spark a fire of its own with effects equally as devastating. Each time we open our mouths we have the opportunity to convey life or wield destruction. There is power in the words we speak.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father in heaven, please give me the wisdom and discipline to be mindful of the words I speak and to use the power of my words for good in every situation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.