While studying through the book of James, we were asked to think of adjectives that would describe the tongue. In James’ account of its influence and power (James 3:2-12), he likens it to a bridle in a horse’s mouth, able to control this muscular animal and direct its path even though it is such a small instrument. Next, he compares it to the rudder of a ship. This discreet piece of equipment also wields great power and influence on not only the vessel it is directing, but also upon the cargo and crew riding upon it. As if this doesn’t raise warning enough for the reader, he calls the tongue a fire. Think of the small spark that ignites a raging inferno consuming everything in its path. Unlike natural fire, the unrighteous source of this “fire” to which James refers is hell. The tongue is able to defile one’s body and even destroy the course of their life.
With this poignant picture in my head, I came up with a few adjectives. Dangerous. Powerful. Controlling. None of these quite encompass the magnitude of what I wanted to say about the Lord’s impacting words regarding the tongue. Then it occurred to me. Not an adjective, but a noun...flubber.
It’s been a long time since I have seen “The Absent-Minded Professor” if I’ve even watched the entire movie at all. And although I know I’ve seen the latest version entitled “Flubber,” I cannot recall many details of the film as a whole. I do recollect however a few captivating scenes. Thus, the reason for my tongue/flubber epiphany.
Remember when Fred MacMurry (Professor Brainard) puts this unique substance on the soles of the college basketball teams’ sneakers? The team goes flying high. They awe the crowd and win the game by leaps and bounds (literally). Everyone watching this wishes that such an event could actually occur. Oh how quickly I could get work done around the house with a little of that under my slippers. And those spider webs in our vaulted ceilings would be no match for me!
That scene was fun and lighthearted, but the really vivid imagery that says it all is in the modern version of this film where the professor first discovers flubber in his lab. Initially this small, gentle, and even cute blob seems innocent enough. Subtle responses to a little momentum begin slowly. Soon, spurts of spirited motion amaze the professor but that doesn’t alarm him. Then, increasing blasts of energy occur. It morphs, multiplies, and even does the mambo! But as the scene progresses, the flubber takes on a life of its own and becomes increasingly mischievous. Computerized movie-making magic displays green silicone bouncing in all directions of the lab reeking havoc while the professor frantically dodges its dangerous paths. It doesn’t take long for him to realize the power now set in motion. Although it seemed harmless, it quickly grew out of control and emblazoned with enough energy to destroy him and everything else along the way. Does this sound familiar?
James gave us a sobering reminder of the untamed nature of our mouths. The tongue (the pen, they keyboard) rattles on daily. Each word is a blessing, a curse, or something in between. For the maturing believer, these words should be an indication of growth in learning God’s ways and applying them to our lives. Previous to this excerpt, James admonishes those with faith in Jesus to put that belief to work through actions. Here’s a great opportunity to do so. One of the utmost importance.
If the tongue is the evidence of what we are on the inside, then let us challenge ourselves to give God control by allowing Him to transform our hearts and minds. As bridles, may our tongues take us in the right direction. As rudders, may they lead us toward righteousness, and as a fires, may they burn with holiness and reap good spiritual fruit along the way.
